Michael van Gerwen beats Rob Cross to claim European Darts Trophy
Monday 16 October 2017 21:06, UK
Michael van Gerwen returned to winning ways with his 20th Euro Tour title and 13th tournament victory this season, beating Rob Cross to land the European Darts Trophy.
The world no 1, back in action having taken a holiday following a shock first-round defeat to John Henderson at the World Grand Prix, was in blistering form throughout the weekend and rounded off a memorable return to work with a 6-4 win over in-form Rob Cross.
Victory means MVG secures the top-seed position for the European Championship at the end of the month after an incredible six European Tour titles this year.
The Dutchman dropped just two legs on Sunday, beating Stephen Bunting (6-1), Joe Cullen (6-0) and Grand Prix runner-up Simon Whitlock (6-1) on route to the final where he face Players Championship Order of Merit winner Cross whose memorable debut year continues.
Fresh from a fourth Players success of the season last weekend, Cross moved into his second European Tour final of the year by beating Keegan Brown, Michael Smith and Kim Huybrechts in Sunday's play.
And it was Cross who started fastest, taking the first and third legs to lead the final before MVG cleaned up 68 and 100 to lead for the first time. The pair traded breaks before Van Gerwen's brilliant 150 finish, his third 100+ check-out of the final, saw him move to within a leg of the title.
Double 16 kept Cross in with a chance but MVG landed double five to claim the title and with it the £25,000 winner's cheque, however, as he finished the job on double five.
"I'm very happy to have won this tournament and I felt great all weekend," said Van Gerwen, who bounced back from a first-round exit at the World Grand Prix.
"I decided to take a holiday after losing in Dublin and it paid off. I feel refreshed and ready for the big part of the season - that started with winning this tournament.
"Rob has had a great season but I always feel confident against whoever I play and they know it is a different game against me. I pulled out some big shots at the right times and that is why I won the final."
The Grand Slam of Darts gets underway on Sky Sports next month as the best of the PDC compete against the best of the BDO - the action from the Wolverhampton Civic Hall begins on Saturday, November 11 with a double session.
Keep up to date with the news at the tungsten enters it's busiest time of year with the PDC World Championships just around the corner get all the latest at www.skysports.com/darts and join in the conversation @SkySportsDarts
