Michael van Gerwen wins third successive Dubai Duty Free Darts Masters title

Michael van Gerwen won a third successive Dubai Duty Free Darts Masters title with a thrilling 11-8 comeback win against Phil Taylor in Friday's final of the PDC World Series of Darts event.

The Dutchman had claimed victory in the first two years of the tournament at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, and battled his way to glory with a gutsy display to continue his winning run.

Having had to hit back from three legs down in Thursday's quarter-final against Raymond van Barneveld, Van Gerwen repeated the feat before overcoming Adrian Lewis 11-9 in the semi-finals.

He also trailed 8-6 against Taylor in the final, but responded superbly to surge to victory with five unanswered legs.

"It's a brilliant win for me and I'm really proud," said Van Gerwen. "I'm delighted because this is the hardest tournament I've had to win here, beating Raymond, Adrian and then Phil.

"It's been an amazing tournament, really difficult and the games were so tough so I couldn't wish for any more - every player played well in this event.

"I missed a couple of chances at the beginning of the final and Phil punished me, but I stayed close and was waiting for him to make a mistake and I took advantage.

"To beat Phil in the final is always special and I'm really glad to win here again."

Taylor had booked his place in the final with a ruthless 11-3 demolition of world champion Gary Anderson in their semi-final, before being overhauled by Van Gerwen's late surge in the final.

"It was in my own hands and missing darts at doubles broke my heart, but I've got to take the positives because I've not played this well before in Dubai," said Taylor.

"Michael's a special player, he hits the right shots at the right time and he bullies people during the game.

"He's a phenomenal player and I love playing him, and I think me and him are going to have a lot of battles over the next 12 months or two years because I'm playing well again and everything's coming together."