Miracle comeback sees Paul Nicholson reach last 16 at European Darts Trophy

Paul Nicholson pulled off a stunning comeback to keep his hopes alive at the European Darts Trophy in Germany.

Nicholson was 5-1 down against Colin Lloyd but fought back superbly to win 6-5 win to join big guns Michael van Gerwen, Wes Newton and John Part in the last 16 in Sindelfingen.

"I keep winning 6-5 - I did it against Ronny Huybrechts in the first round too, and I don't want to keep doing that," said Nicholson. "I don't know how I won that but it's great to be through."

Van Gerwen hammered Darren Webster 6-0 to book his place in the third round and if he reaches the semi-finals on Monday night he will leapfrog Adrian Lewis and become No 2 in the world.

"Sometimes you need to win games like this when you're not at your best, and I'm pleased to have done that," said van Gerwen.

"Monday will be a tough day because it will be four games if I am going to win the event, but I want to get to number two in the world and it's great to have a chance to do that."

Van Gerwen will meet European Tour debutant Jamie Robinson in the last 16, after the Essex man matched Nicholson in coming from 5-1 down to take victory as he defeated Brendan Dolan.

Robinson had also come from 5-2 down against Richie Burnett in the first round, and admitted: "It's certainly not planned, but maybe when the other players have got to five legs, the pressure has come off me, and I never give in. I keep trying and it's coming together for me."

Premier League star Wes Newton edged out former World Youth Champion Arron Monk 6-5 to set up a third round game with Peter Wright, who swept past Colin Osborne 6-1.

Part defeated another Premier League star, Robert Thornton, 6-4 in a high-quality contest.