Michael van Gerwen powers to the top: Premier League talking points
Saturday 30 April 2016 13:45, UK
Michael van Gerwen is the new leader of the Premier League and three players are facing a shoot-out for the last remaining play-off place.
The world No 1 replaced Phil Taylor at the top of the table after an impressive 7-1 victory over James Wade on night 13 in Birmingham, which followed an opening defeat for 'The Power' by Peter Wright.
Van Gerwen assured his spot at the season-ending play-offs and Gary Anderson has virtually qualified in third place, but Adrian Lewis, James Wade and Wright are all scrapping for the final spot at The O2.
MVG is MVP
The Dutchman again underlined his status as the sport's finest player after his ruthless win over Wade.
He succeeded with seven out of nine darts at a double, while Wade was only afforded two darts at a finish, and wore a look of disbelief.
Speaking afterwards, Van Gerwen could not contain his delight about knocking Taylor off the summit, and the pair will renew their rivalry in Rotterdam on the closing night of the regular campaign.
Nearly all Wright
'Snakebite' admitted beforehand that he needed maximum points from his two matches to revive his play-off hopes and so nearly achieved this target.
He only missed one double in a season-best 7-4 win over Taylor and then appeared to have Anderson on the rack when he had three darts at a double to move 6-5 up.
Wright would miss all three, allowing Anderson to pinch the leg, but the man with the multi-coloured mohican hit back to claim a 6-6 draw and could still squeeze into the last four.
Play-off permutations
With just two matches remaining, Lewis, Wade and Wright will be keeping an eye on each other's results as they try to snatch a place at The O2.
Lewis needs only a point, but is facing daunting fixtures against his old mentor Taylor and defending champion Anderson.
Wright and Wade meet next week and a win for either man could keep alive their play-off hopes ahead of the closing night of the regular campaign.
Barney a beaten man
There will be no late charge from Raymond van Barneveld, who cannot qualify for the top four after a frustrating 7-5 defeat to Anderson.
'Barney' fired in a superb 132 checkout while opening a 5-4 lead, but five missed darts at a double opened the door for Anderson.
Yet again, the Dutchman had allowed a result to slip away, and last year's semi-finalist will look back on this campaign with regret.
Ando on the up
Anderson's title defence is set to continue into the play-off night after three points from his two matches all but assured his attendance in London.
The reigning world champion has not produced a consistent high standard during the season which started late due to his illness.
But he also finished third last year and comes alive on the big stage, beating Van Gerwen in last year's final to land the trophy.
