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ST HELENS darter Alan Tabern was knocked out of the William Hill World Darts Championship by two-time Champion Michael van Gerwen at London's Alexandra Palace.

The Dutchman regained his composure after a beer throwing incident during his walk-on - which saw a spectator ejected - to post an impressive 102.59 average.

Van Gerwen missed just three doubles as he raced into a two set lead, before Tabern battled back to 2-1 and then piled the pressure on in the fourth, but the world number one won the deciding leg to quash any possibility of an upset.

"I didn't really know how to react after the incident because nothing like this has ever happened to me before," said Van Gerwen, who will face Max Hopp in round three.

"I got a bit emotional about it at the start but I recovered well and I can't really complain with how I played after that, and I had to be at my best because Alan played a phenomenal game.

"My section of the draw is tough and I will have to beat some great players to win this title but I know if I play well I will do it."