Sky Sports presenter Dave Clark also honoured with induction into the PDC Hall of Fame
Monday 29 January 2018 20:44, UK
Michael van Gerwen has been named as the PDC Player of the Year for the third successive year.
Elsewhere, Sky Sports presenter Dave Clark was inducted into the hall of fame, while world champion Rob Cross picked up four trophies at the PDC awards on Monday.
Van Gerwen won a fourth successive European Championship title during the year, as well as his third wins in the Premier League, Masters and Grand Slam of Darts and a second World Cup of Darts.
"I had a fabulous year," said Van Gerwen. "Rob Cross did phenomenally last year but I still had a good year and I won 18 tournaments and I'm happy to win this award.
"I will keep believing in myself this year and I'm still in good form. I know I can do a little bit better but I will celebrate this award first and then prepare for the tournaments coming up."
Cross was named as the PDC Best Newcomer, after winning four Players Championship events, reaching the European Championship final and then claiming World Championship glory in his first year on the PDC pro circuit.
He was also voted by his peers as the PDPA Players' Player of the Year, as well picking up the Fans' Player of the Year award and Televised Performance of the Year.
Clark, who leads Sky Sports' Darts coverage, was recognised on the night for his ongoing contribution to the sport after over 15 years of presenting, alongside his work raising awareness and funds for Parkinson's UK.
"I'm absolutely touched and it's amazing," said Clark. "I'm very emotional and it's been fantastic so far - and I hope to be around for a long time yet."
The 2018 Premier League gets underway from Dublin's 3Arena on Thursday with coverage underway from 7pm on Sky Sports Action. 16 weeks of tungsten action will continue through to the season's conclusion with the Play-Offs on May 17 at The O2 in London.
Keep up to date with the latest darts news, previews, reports, reaction and expert analysis. Get all the latest at www.skysports.com/darts and join in the conversation @SkySportsDarts- don't forget to use #LoveTheDarts
