Michael van Gerwen and Phil Taylor picked up wins ahead of top-of-the table showdown
Friday 11 March 2016 13:08, UK
Michael van Gerwen and Phil Taylor set the scene for their top-of-the-table showdown by picking up wins on night six of the Premier League.
Van Gerwen ended the night in top spot after another dazzling win over Dave Chisnall, while Taylor sits just behind him in second place following a whitewash win over Robert Thornton.
The Premier League's top two players are both performing superbly ahead of next Thursday's clash in Glasgow and other questions were answered on another eventful evening in Nottingham...
Michael still mighty
Van Gerwen is showing no signs of slowing down and racked up an average of over 113 in his sizzling 7-2 win over Chisnall.
At one stage, the Dutchman appeared to be chasing his own record average of 124, and greeted any stray dart with a grimace of displeasure, but he fist-pumped with delight following a sumptuous 134 checkout.
'Chizzy' watched from behind the oche, like outgunned opponents in previous weeks, and MVG appears to be a league above many of his rivals at the moment.
Taylor targeting MVG
The rejuvenated Taylor is the closest threat to Van Gerwen and the pair are separated by the slimmest of margins, with 'Mighty Mike' only leading by leg difference.
Taylor will lock horns with the world No 1 in seven days time and sent out a message to the Dutchman with his ruthless rout of Thornton.
Speaking afterwards, 'The Power' admitted that he must raise his game even higher and is clearly motivated by his latest meeting with MVG.
"I'm really looking forward to next week against Michael and I can't wait - I'll be ready for him," said the multiple world champion.
Live Premier League Darts
Lewis remains an enigma
Lewis had lumbered to a humbling 7-1 defeat to former mentor Taylor on night five, ending with a less than inspiring average of 93.
But 'Jackpot' produced all the right numbers in a superb 7-3 win over Peter Wright, which saw him take out a 136 checkout and end with a 58 per cent success rate on the doubles.
Two-time world champion Lewis is just two points off top spot in the table and will be a serious contender if he can discover some consistency.
Flying Scotsman gathers steam
Anderson was made to wait until night four for his first win of the season, partly due to an illness which made him miss the opening week, and the fit-again Borders thrower has now collected three victories in a row.
The defending champion knew far too much for Michael Smith and completed a comfortable 7-3 win over his protege.
He has not quite hit the heights of his successful title defence at the World Championship, but continues to show encouraging signs that he can compete for more silverware.
Barney takes another beating
Raymond van Barneveld has endured a worry slump since he started his campaign with victory over Taylor and literally threw away a point in his 7-5 loss against James Wade.
A classy 161 finish had appeared to wake 'Barney' from his slumber, and yet he still fumbled with his finishing at 6-5 down, allowing a grateful Wade to take two points.
Sky Sports expert Wayne Mardle fears that Van Barneveld could be hauled into a survival battle on 'Judgement Night' on March 31.
Mardle said: "If he loses next week and results go against him, then he most definitely is. It doesn't take a lot to get dragged in."
Watch night seven of the Premier League, including Van Gerwen v Taylor, next Thursday at 7pm on Sky Sports 1.
