MVG seals top spot for sixth straight year with highest average of the season; Anderson and Gurney to battle it out for fourth spot in Aberdeen
Friday 4 May 2018 06:03, UK
Michael van Gerwen produced a vintage display to destroy Rob Cross, who still managed to secure his place in the Premier League Play-Offs along with Michael Smith at Arena Birmingham on Thursday.
Smith and Daryl Gurney played out a tungsten thriller with both players entertaining the crowd in a breathtaking draw, while a relaxed Raymond van Barneveld made sure Gary Anderson will have to sweat it out in the final league night after easing past the Scot.
Peter Wright produced a much-needed victory over Simon Whitlock to move above his opponent and off the bottom of the table.
Cross, who famously defeated Van Gerwen in their epic semi-final clash at the 2018 World Championship, was out for revenge after losing to the Dutch ace in the opening week of the Premier League season.
But Van Gerwen was in irresistible form on the night and broke in the opening leg thanks to D19 and then 76 in two darts for a second break of throw in the third leg.
Cross was aiming to keep his unbeaten run going knowing he needed just one more point to seal his place at The O2 on May 17, but the defending champion was on fire and took out 46 for a 4-0 lead.
Van Gerwen then nailed a clinical 144 for a 5-1 lead and a punished Cross for missed darts at double with D8. An 86 checkout on the bullseye sealed a fabulous victory, with a magnificent 111.57 three-dart average, as well as securing top spot for a sixth straight year.
Smith clinched his first appearance in the Play-Offs against Gurney, who remains the only player outside the top four still with hope of appearing at The O2.
'Bully Boy' sealed his 36th break of the Premier League for an early 2-1 lead and pinned D10 for a 3-1 lead before the Northern Irishman made a stunning comeback, striking 147, D18, then a crushing 167, before a landing a brilliant 11-dart leg for a 5-4 lead.
Smith swooped with D10 to stop the rot, and although Gurney held his nerve in the next, an 81 on the bullseye enabled the St Helens man to secure his place in the final four.
Anderson knew he could qualify with a draw against Van Barneveld after Gurney's defeat at the hands of Smith. But Barney made a barnstorming start and raced into a 3-0 lead, including a 103, before an 18-dart leg put his 4-1 up and in the driving seat.
The Dutch star made it 6-2 with a 90 checkout, and although Anderson held throw in the next, Van Barneveld secured his sixth Premier League win of the season
Anderson remains favourite to secure the final Play-Off spot ahead of Gurney, although he faces the daunting task of facing Van Gerwen in Aberdeen next week while Gurney takes on Wright.
The opening game of the evening saw Wright take on Australian ace Whitlock in the battle to avoid the wooden spoon.
With both players knowing they won't be appearing at The O2 they were still keen to end their campaign in style and 'Snakebite' made the more assured start by cleaning up 76 and 68 before D10 and D16 enabled him to take total control and move 4-1 up.
Whitlock was punished for three missed darts at double in the seventh leg, although he stayed in the match with 54 in two darts before pinning D4 to make it 5-4. But Wright produced a top-quality 118 to guarantee a point and closed out the game in the next leg to seal his fourth win of the competition with a match average of 93.05.
The 2018 Premier League is back for the final league night next Thursday as we head to Aberdeen for Week 15. Coverage gets underway from 7pm on Sky Sports Action. The tungsten action will then continue through to the season's conclusion with the Play-Offs on Thursday, May 17 at The O2 in London.
Keep up to date with the latest darts news, previews, reports, reaction and expert analysis. Get all the latest at www.skysports.com/darts and join in the conversation @SkySportsDarts- don't forget to use #LoveTheDarts
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