Friday 13 May 2016 12:08, UK
Michael van Gerwen marked his homecoming to the Netherlands with an enthralling victory over Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor that guaranteed top spot in the Premier League.
Van Gerwen completed a 7-5 victory after a last-gasp break of throw to reward a Rotterdam crowd who roared his name relentlessly throughout the competition's debut in his homeland.
Van Gerwen and Taylor will be joined in next week's play-offs by Gary Anderson and Adrian Lewis, who profited from Peter Wright's shortcomings against Dutch legend Raymond van Barneveld.
World No 1 Van Gerwen was the star attraction for the on-looking sea of orange and a stunning 164 checkout on the bull broke Taylor's throw and gave him a crucial 5-4 lead.
Taylor, who has only beaten the Dutchman once in eight Premier League matches, broke straight back but was then crumpled just as Van Gerwen seemed to feel nerves. The youngster refused to get involved in Taylor's showmanship with the crowd before striking another break to go 6-5 up, and ultimately complete the job.
Earlier, Wright's play-offs hopes slipped out of his control amid an emotional homecoming for Van Barneveld which resulted in a 6-6 draw.
Spurred on by a spectacular reception from his compatriots, Barney held Wright in a contest blighted by missed doubles.
Wright's jaunt to the Netherlands was very much a business trip, unlike Barney who should have only been playing for pleasure but clearly felt the weight of expectation. Ultimately, a point for Wright couldn't put sufficient pressure on Lewis.
Leading 4-3, Snakebite endured a horror leg against the throw, missing seven darts to break. Barney's arrows were just as error-strewn and Wright eventually broke to go 6-4 up, but still couldn't hold on for the two points that he desperately required.
Barney checked out from 121 on the bull before securing the draw against Snakebite who aptly played the part of a classic pantomime villain complete with an orange Mohawk.
Lewis, needing to win just two legs to confirm his play-off place, duly thrashed defending champion Anderson 7-2.
Jackpot racked up the two legs he needed at breakneck speed but wasn't satisfied, securing a pair of late breaks to earn his first win of the season against any of the top three players.
James Wade kicked off the night with a 7-3 win against Robert Thornton in each player's final game of the campaign.
Watch Premier League Darts play-offs next Thursday on Sky Sports 1 HD at 7pm.
