Michael van Gerwen 'did enough' to beat Rob Cross, says Wayne Mardle
"Michael said he was actually rubbish, but that's Michael for you"
Friday 2 February 2018 00:47, UK
Michael van Gerwen made a winning start to his Premier League title defence with a 7-2 defeat of Rob Cross as the 2018 season began in Dublin on Thursday.
Van Gerwen was in dominant mood as he denied the world champion a debut victory - and avenged his loss in the Alexandra Palace semi-finals just 33 days ago - to begin his bid for a fourth Premier League title in six years.
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The world No 1 took out 114 in the opening leg, and finished 81 and a double 10 to lead 3-0 before a 70 checkout put Cross on the board.
Van Gerwen, though, finished a further two 114 checkouts in the next three legs as he moved 6-1 up, before replying to a 14-darter from Cross to close out the win on double eight and Wayne Mardle felt the Dutchman showed the debutant what the Premier League is all about.
It wasn't vintage Van Gerwen, but he did enough. Rob Cross looked okay, but he was a little subdued.
"Michael said he was actually rubbish, but that's Michael for you. Three 114 finishes, he's played well when he had to," said the Sky Sports' darts analyst.
"It wasn't vintage Van Gerwen, but he did enough. Rob Cross looked okay, but he was a little subdued.
"Michael kept him under the cosh from the very, very get go. Leading 2-0 and then 3-0, you could see that Rob hadn't settled and by the time he kind of found his stride the game had gone.
"It was alright from Rob, nothing to worry about form-wise. He will just have to find something next week [against Simon Whitlock].
The 2018 Premier League heads to the Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff next Thursday with coverage underway from 7pm on Sky Sports Action. 15 weeks of tungsten action will continue through to the season's conclusion with the Play-Offs on May 17 at The O2 in London.
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