Robert Thornton produced a dramatic Premier League revival, says Wayne Mardle
Friday 25 March 2016 16:49, UK
Robert Thornton has given himself a 'fantastic opportunity' to avoid elimination after he upset the odds on night eight of the Premier League, says Wayne Mardle.
The Scot looked set for an early exit from the competition before his two matches, but firstly defeated Michael Smith and then battled to a draw with Michael van Gerwen, in a surprise ending to the schedule at Liverpool's Echo Arena.
That closing result meant that Thornton moved out of the bottom two, with Dave Chisnall joining Smith in the elimination places and both strugglers are facing tough matches in next week's 'Judgement Night.'
Sky Sports expert Mardle believes Thornton has breathed fresh life into his campaign and might not even need a result against Lewis in seven days time.
"Well we said tonight was all about Robert Thornton and it turned out just that way," said Mardle. "He has now given himself a fantastic opportunity to not be eliminated.
Going into tonight, he has one solitary point. A win and a draw later and the world is a better place.
"Both Michael Smith and Dave Chisnall have to win. The thing is, taking a point off Michael van Gerwen. He's one-to-nine Michael van Gerwen and 12-1 was Robert - and he did a job.
"Michael Smith has to beat Phil Taylor or Dave Chisnall has to beat Peter Wright and Robert Thornton to lose to be eliminated. If they both lose, Michael Smith and Chisnall, he's through, Robert Thornton will not be eliminated.
"Going into tonight, he has one solitary point. A win and a draw later and the world is a better place."
Van Gerwen let a point slip away again following his frustrating draw with Taylor in night seven.
With the battle for the top four hotting up, Mardle believes Van Gerwen could regret these two results.
"Michael van Gerwen fluffed his lines really for two weeks running now," said Mardle. "He's thrown away some points and maybe made to pay."
