Five Premier League Darts talking points including Phil Taylor and Raymond van Barneveld
Friday 8 April 2016 14:38, UK
Phil Taylor won twice to remain top of the Premier League but what did we learn in Sheffield?
Judgement Night is behind us and the Premier League has been trimmed to eight players and they all have the play-offs in their sights. But is that a realistic goal for everyone?
Here's five talking points...
Powering into play-offs
Phil Taylor is virtually assured of returning to the O2 Arena's play-offs after surprisingly missing the cut last year. Playing twice in one evening has caused chaos for some players this season, most notably for Michael Smith whose campaign looked doomed after a pair of opening-night defeats, but Taylor took full advantage.
Where his rivals had the chance to earn a maximum two points, Taylor took home four to extend his advantage at the top of the Premier League. He said: "A step closer to getting into the Play-Offs - I think another one or two wins will put me through and that's what I'm after."
Is Taylor being overly cautious? Before Thursday he claimed he only needed two wins, and achieved them instantly, so it's difficult to foresee the play-offs occurring without the six-time Premier League winner.
Barney's hopes ended
Raymond van Barneveld sensationally roared back from a poor start last season, qualifying for the play-offs then finally ending as a semi-final loser to Michael van Gerwen. This year, he requires an even bigger miracle as he sits second-bottom in the eight-man table.
Sky Sports expert Wayne Mardle said: "Mathematically [he] can still do it I think but [he has] to rely on so many other results that it is not going to happen."
Defeat to James Wade after a 10th leg break of throw means Barney will only be going through the motions for the remainder of the season with almost no chance of adding to his 2014 title. But one special occasion will act as a light at the end of the tunnel. In May Barney will be the star of the show when the Premier League heads to Rotterdam for the first time. He has openly confessed his main desire was to avoid elimination before the tournament heading to his home country, so he has achieved that, at least.
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MVG back to winning ways
After a three-win winless run, Michael van Gerwen was perhaps happy to be pitted against bottom-of-the-table Robert Thornton. He ended his unsuccessful streak with a 7-5 win that was more comfortable than the scoreline suggests.
Van Gerwen averaged 117.95 and was leading 6-2 until a brave Thornton fightback, but the Dutchman did enough to maintain the chase of Taylor at the top of the league. He is three points behind Taylor - but also just two points ahead of fifth-placed Wade so Van Gerwen must string some results together to avoid a shock exit.
The battle for fourth intensifies
Much like our football cousins, there is always a Premier League subplot with a host of players chasing the No 4 berth that results in a play-off visit. From there, anything is possible - or so they say.
Gary Anderson, on 13 points, currently holds the position despite losing to Taylor in Sheffield. Wade has played one game more but sits on the same points. The third likeliest contender seems to Peter Wright who has 11 points after mustering a draw against third-placed Adrian Lewis last Thursday. All to play for…
Thornton scrapping off the bottom
Three weeks ago Robert Thornton appeared doomed for elimination but an unlikely fightback, coupled with favours from Michael Smith and Dave Chisnall, has resulted in the Scot living to throw another dart.
But Thornton, albeit in defeat to Van Gerwen, showed the spirit to indicate that he won't settle for eighth-place in the Premier League. Should Van Barneveld be looking over his shoulder nervously?
Watch Premier League Darts from Belfast next Thursday at 7pm, live on Sky Sports 1 HD.
