Michael van Gerwen wins German Darts Open title in Saarbrucken

Lucky Michael van Gerwen made it three wins from four European Tour events in 2019 by claiming the German Darts Open with an 8-3 victory over Ian White in the final in Saarbrucken on Sunday.

Van Gerwen, who won the German Darts Grand Prix on Easter Monday, rode his luck along the way.

He was pushed all the way by retiring Dutch legend Raymond van Barneveld before winning 6-5 to reach the quarter-finals.

The Premier League table-topper then survived a match dart before defeating UK Open champion Nathan Aspinall 6-5 with a three-dart average of 107.4.

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Dave Chisnall was next in line and the St Helens' man looked all set to end a 23-match winless run against the Dutchman, but he failed to take four match darts.

Van Gerwen extended his incredible run of last-leg decider wins to 23 by taking his opportunity for an amazing 7-6 win.

The final was one-way traffic as Van Gerwen, who turned 30 on Thursday, opened up a 7-1 advantage and although White won back-to-back legs, it was the reigning world champion who closed out the match to seal his 31st European Tour title.

"I had to play well in this tournament because I was pushed against Nathan Aspinall and Dave Chisnall, and Ian came back quite well in the final too," said Van Gerwen, who has won six of the ten tournaments he has played in 2019.

"But I always felt quite comfortable and I always believe in myself, you can never give up.

"I knew I had never won here before so I had to win it today and I think I played a phenomenal tournament. I feel great and I'm really happy to be the winner."

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