'Snakebite' beats Benito van de Pas 6-5 in a thrilling final
Monday 24 April 2017 13:04, UK
Ian White thrashed world No 1 Michael van Gerwen 6-1, but it was Peter Wright who clinched a second European Tour title of the year on Sunday.
Wright beat Benito van de Pas 6-5 in a high-quality German Darts Open final in Saarbrucken.
Dutchman Van de Pas put in the performance of his career, averaging 110.46 as he pushed Wright all the way in a nail-biting finale.
However, one missed match dart in a dramatic decider allowed Wright - who proved clinical on the doubles throughout - in to land a stunning 121 sucker punch on the bullseye to secure the £25,000 top prize.
"You have to make things interesting," joked Wright. "I took my time, I thought it was the only shot I was going to get and luckily I landed it."
When asked about clinching his sixth PDC title of the year, Wright - who reverted to the darts which helped him win the UK Open last month - added: "I have just started…perhaps I will start sticking to just one set of darts."
Despite tasting defeat, it was a superb run for Van de Pas as he reached his second final on the European Tour.
"I played so well and still lost," said the despondent 24-year-old. "I am so proud I made it into the final and to play so well, but on the day, it still wasn't enough."
Earlier in the evening, White caused the shock of the competition as he thrashed Van Gerwen to reach the semi-finals.
In an uncharacteristic performance from the world champion, he landed just 11 per cent of his double attempts with White proving far more clinical.
The Stoke-based slinger averaged a superb 104 and took out a match-high 107 checkout as he charged to a shock victory and a place in the final four.
The European Tour will continue on May 5-7 with the European Darts Grand Prix in Sindelfingen, before the Gibraltar Darts Trophy is held from May 12-14.
You can see all the Premier League action from the Barclaycard Arena in Birmingham on Thursday from 7pm on Sky Sports 5 HD, including the clash between Michael van Gerwen and Adrian Lewis.
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