ONLY Michael van Gerwen, the world’s best player, has managed it so far in 2016.

But Northwich thrower Stuart Kellett was a wire’s width away from landing a second nine-dart finish of the year during a first-round encounter at the German Darts Masters on Saturday.

After throwing eight perfect darts, the 34-year-old narrowly missed double 12 to complete a perfect leg.

He hit it on his next attempt, only to exit the competition later following a 6-1 reverse against former world championship finalist Kevin Painter.

The Cheshire regular landed two maximums, and recorded a three-dart average of 94.52, only to run into an opponent in fine form at a packed Ballhausforum in Munich.

Indeed Painter’s average, just short of 102, is the best at the three-day tournament so far.

His reward is to meet 16th seed Justin Pipe at the next stage on Sunday.

Kellett has celebrated an exemplary leg already this month during a 6-5 win against Steve Hine during a UK qualifier for the Gibraltar Darts Trophy.

He made it to the last 16 on his previous visit to Munich three years ago.