Michael van Gerwen wins the World Grand Prix for a third time
Dutch ace crushes Anderson with 5-2 victory to scoop £100,000 first prize and his 21st tournament win of the year
Sunday 9 October 2016 16:12, UK
World No 1 Michael van Gerwen became a three-time champion in Dublin as he dismantled second-ranked Gary Anderson in the World Grand Prix final on Saturday night.
'Mighty Mike' defeated the reigning World Champion Anderson 5-2 in a one-sided encounter to seal a hat-trick of wins on The Emerald Isle.
Van Gerwen added the World Grand Prix to his UK Open, World Matchplay and Premier League crowns this year in front of a sold out Citywest Hotel.
The flying Dutchman averaged 100.29 to see off Anderson with another majestic display of darts.
"Everything has been great for me in this tournament," 27-year-old Van Gerwen told Sky Sports. "He pushed me until the end and I had to fight really hard.
"You wish you can always end the game like this [with a 160 checkout]. I had a big advantage over Gary but you can't afford any misses at the moment and with Gary you know he will never give up but it's amazing."
Van Gerwen made a blistering start to the match, only requiring 43 darts in total to win the opening set.
By the time Anderson was getting started on the opening double, Van Gerwen was already in full flow. An 11-dart leg and 101 checkout helped him break before taking out double six to seal a two-set lead.
The reigning World Champion fell further behind before clawing his way back in the fourth set thanks to his first break of the match and then a neat 75 finish.
'The Flying Scotsman' was forced to land a 108 just to hold throw in the second leg of the fifth set and with the Borders thrower unable to get going in the deciding leg, Van Gerwen found double 10 to move one set away from victory.
Anderson walked the sixth set with the help of a superb 107 checkout, but it was all over in the blink of an eye as Van Gerwen finished with a flourish. A crushing 160 ensured victory and his 21st title of 2016.
"I just couldn't get off and if you give him a head start then you've got no chance," admitted Anderson.
"This boy is something else. It's absolutely astonishing what this boy has done in four years. Can't argue with that."
