Michael van Gerwen held by Dave Chisnall but finishes top of Premier League
Tuesday 19 May 2015 13:25, UK
World No 1 Michael van Gerwen rescued a dramatic 6-6 draw against Dave Chisnall to finish top of the Premier League for a third consecutive year.
In a battle of the top two players in the table, St Helens thrower Chisnall dispatched a phenomenal 161 checkout to take a 6-5 lead.
But the Dutchman hit back against the throw in the final leg with an equally-impressive 108 finish in the final week of the season in Brighton before the play-offs at London's O2 next Thursday night, live on Sky Sports 1.
Van Gerwen averaged 111.90 while Chisnall averaged 106.01 in a pulsating match which also included nine maximums.
"It means a lot to me and you can see what level you have to be at in this Premier League," Van Gerwen told Sky Sports 1.
Van Gerwen now faces a tantalising all-Dutch clash against reigning Premier League champion Raymond van Barneveld in the semi-finals, while Chisnall takes on Gary Anderson.
Exhibition darts
There were some exhibition darts on show on the south coast as reigning world champion Anderson came through 7-3 against Adrian Lewis.
Two-time former world champion Lewis won the first two legs before 'The Flying Scotman' won six in a row before 'Jackpot' stopped the rot.
Anderson sealed victory by nailing tops and finishing with an average of 97, guaranteeing third spot in the table.
"It's a different week next week. Let's see what happens," said Anderson.
Another win for Barney
Van Barneveld wrapped up his eighth win in a row to defeat debutant Stephen Bunting 7-4.
'Barney' is the hottest player in the tournament, having powered into the play-offs with a string of six wins and one draw since 'Judgement Night' in week nine.
Bunting, who was hoping to end his erratic season on a high, was unable to keep the five-time world champion at bay as the Dutchman sealed victory with an average of 102.
"I don't look at any other darts players," said van Barneveld. "They know what I can do and I know what they can do. I'm a fantastic player. If everyone knows what they know I can do, I can beat everyone in the world and that's what I've done the last seven weeks."
Power exit
Six-time champion Phil Taylor exited this year's Premier League in style by steamrolling his way to a comprehensive 7-1 victory against James Wade.
‘The Power', 55 in August, failed to reach the play-offs for the first time in his career after last week's defeat by Anderson, but he sent out a message with an average of 109 and was 70 per cent on his doubles.
"I've been trying every week," said the former world No 1, who will now head to the World Cup in Frankfurt followed by the World Matchplay in Blackpool.
"I feel awful for the people who supported me and put bets on me. I'm gutted.
"I've had a tough year. I've never ever been so dedicated as I am now and I know it will come together. I'm putting every effort to put it right. Trust me, I will put it right."
Premier League Night 15 results:
Phil Taylor 7-1 James Wade
Raymond van Barneveld 7-4 Stephen Bunting
Gary Anderson 7-3 Adrian Lewis
Michael van Gerwen 6-6 Dave Chisnall
Semi-final line-up:
Michael van Gerwen v Raymond van Barneveld
Dave Chisnall v Gary Anderson
Don't miss all the action from London's O2 live on Sky Sports 1 HD from 7pm on Thursday 21 May.
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