Skip to content

Michael van Gerwen overtakes Phil Taylor at the top of Premier League Darts

Michael van Gerwen
Image: Michael van Gerwen moved top of the Premier League

Michael van Gerwen stormed to the top of Premier League Darts after a 7-1 mauling of James Wade in Birmingham.

Taking advantage of previous table-topper Phil Taylor's loss to Peter Wright, Van Gerwen made the most of his opportunity and thundered his way through with a typically dominant display.

The sensational Dutchman is level on points with second-placed Taylor but has a three-leg advantage after refusing to let Wade off the hook.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Michael van Gerwen hits a bulleye checkout to go 4-0 up against James Wade

An 11-darter against the throw in the first leg was a worrying message for Wade, who never recovered. Van Gerwen made it consecutive breaks with a 99 finish before taking out 124 on the bullseye.

Wade managed to avoid a whitewash but checkouts of 56 and 36 from Van Gerwen restored order, who finished with a 108 average and officially booked his play-off place.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Michael van Gerwen reacts to going top of the league

Earlier, Wright handed Taylor just his second defeat of the Premier League season in the night's opener.

'Snakebite' was at his focused best as he ran out 7-4 winner against Taylor to boost his own play-off pursuit.

Also See:

Taylor earned the first break of the game but Wright responded with back-to-back ton-plus finishes, taking out 121 then 104. Taylor later finished a leg inside 10 darts but Wright bit back with the crucial break for 5-3, finding his double at the only opportunity afforded to him. He was able to glide towards the finishing line with the 16-time world champion at an arm's length.

Wright then had to settle for a hard-earned draw in his second match of the evening against third-placed Gary Anderson.

Eight breaks of throw meant the points went back-and-forth between both players, but Anderson appeared like he had secured the win after throwing at 6-5 up. But 'Snakebite' bravely fought back and secured one more break to ensure a point - meaning he finished the night in sixth place, three points of the top four.

In Anderson's earlier match, he didn't need to be at his best to dispose of Raymond van Barneveld's challenge.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Raymond van Barneveld hits a bullseye check out against Gary Anderson

The Flying Scotsman came out on top 7-5 after a thrilling penultimate leg which eventually swung his way.

Barney missed double eight for the leg before Anderson went bust with his visit - the Dutchman missed a further three leg-winning efforts before the Scot sealed a break lead. He held his throw to secure the points and end Van Barneveld's faint play-off hopes.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Gary Anderson reacts to beating Barney

Adrian Lewis breezed past Robert Thornton to register a 7-2 win that keeps him in the driver's seat for a play-off spot.

Thornton was broken at the first attempt despite hitting two 180s and it was downhill from there. A stylish 111 checkout was the highlight for Lewis who romped towards the finish line with minimal resistance from bottom-placed Thornton.

The Scot missed a dart for the leg allowing Lewis to surge 5-1 up and he quickly closed the show to remain fourth.

Around Sky