Recap the drama and our interviews from the Champions League of Darts, where Gary Anderson added another prestigious title to his stunning career.
Below you'll find match-by-match stats, video highlights, interviews, stats & much more
Champions League of Darts: Knockout results
Semi-finals (Best of 21 legs)
- Mensur Suljovic 4-11 Gary Anderson
- Michael van Gerwen 9-11 Peter Wright
Final (Best of 21 legs)
- Gary Anderson 11-4 Peter Wright
2230: So an incredible weekend of darts ends with me finally getting chance to speak to the hugely popular champion himself just before his four-hour drive home. Yes, unbelievably he isn't staying in a swanky hotel despite pocketing £100,000 top prize.
2200: It's fair to say the brilliant runner-up Peter Wright took our interview into his own hands and words...
GARY ANDERSON WINS THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE OF DARTS!
Gary Anderson has thrashed Peter Wright 11-4 in the Champions League of Darts final to lift the trophy for the first time.
It's his third big TV major of 2018 having also won the UK Open and World Matchplay earlier this year. What a player, although it's his last-gasp victory over Michael van Gerwen in his final group game which made it possible!
Here is his triumphant moment in Brighton...
Match Result & Stats: Peter Wright 4-11 Gary Anderson
Averages
- Wright: 94
- Anderson: 101
180s
- Wright: 5
- Anderson: 7
Checkout %
- Wright: 30.77% (4/13)
- Anderson: 64.71% (11/17)
Highest Checkouts
- Wright: 40
- Anderson: 97
LEG 15
It's all over as Anderson follows up an opening 140 with his seventh 180 and a further visit of 165 to leave 16, which he takes out at the first attempt for an incredible 10-darter. It was his third 10-darter of the match!
Wright 4-11 Anderson
LEG 14
The Flying Scotsman is one leg away from his third big TV major of 2018 as he brushes off Wright's fourth 180 of the match with two visits of 140 and another of 134, although his double eight for a 17-darter only happens after his opponent fluffed his lines on two fives.
Wright 4-10 Anderson
LEG 13
Anderson threatens a nine-dart finish for the FIFTH time this weekend after back-to-back 180s - eitherside of a Wright maximum - but he misses the treble bed with his seventh dart. Nevertheless he still takes the leg in 10 by finishing on double 18.
Wright 4-9 Anderson
LEG 12
Anderson strides towards the title with a superb 13-darter made up of a maximum and two other visits of 100+.
Wright 4-8 Anderson
LEG 11
Snakebite steps up his game with four successive visits of 100+ before eventually pinning double 10 for a 17-darter, with Anderson way, way back on 214.
Wright 4-7 Anderson
LEG 10
A pretty poor scoring leg has an impressive end when Anderson takes out 96 for an 18-darter, with Wright back on 159.
Wright 3-7 Anderson
LEG NINE
Wright is now only three legs behind after defying Anderson's third 180 to clean up a 17-darter, with his opponent waiting dangerously on 56.
Wright 3-6 Anderson
LEG EIGHT
Snakebite begins his comeback with a sound 15-darter, which was set up by four 100+ visits, before going out on double two.
Wright 2-6 Anderson
INTERVAL STATS & SKY BET ODDS
Wright 1/25, Anderson 9/1
Click here for Sky Bet's in-play Price Boosts & odds
Averages
- Wright: 93
- Anderson: 106
180s
- Wright: 2
- Anderson: 2
Checkout %
- Wright: 50%
- Anderson: 54.55%
Highest Checkouts
- Wright: 32
- Anderson: 86
LEG SEVEN
This looks daunting for Wright but he did produce a stunning comeback in last year's Grand Slam of Darts semi-final to win 16-15. Anyway, Anderson goes into the break 6-1 up after he follows his second 180 with a visit of 171 to leave 16, which he takes out at the first attempt for a 10-darter.
Wright 1-6 Anderson
LEG SIX
Like the semi-finals, Wright finds himself in big trouble as Anderson hardly breaks sweat in a 17-dart leg which was sealed on double four, with Snakebite back on 100.
Wright 1-5 Anderson
LEG FIVE
The Flying Scotsman opens up a three-leg lead after following up visits of 95, 134, 100 and 132 to take out 40 in a 14-darter.
Wright 1-4 Anderson
LEG FOUR
Anderson makes no mistake this time when pinning double 19 at the first attempt to complete a 16-darter and he was under pressure after Wright had thrown 138 to leave 12.
Wright 1-3 Anderson
LEG THREE
Snakebite gets up and running and you won't be surprise to learn he's now 100% on his doubles! He hits two 16s for a 16-darter, with Anderson waiting on 40 after narrowly missing tops for a 145 checkout.
Wright 1-2 Anderson
LEG TWO
Anderson takes early control of this final with a comfortable hold in 14 darts thanks to two visits of 140 and another of 136 following an opening 45. Wright was back on 192.
Wright 0-2 Anderson
LEG ONE, WRIGHT TO THROW FIRST
Both players land 180s in this opening leg but it's first blood to Anderson who checks out from 86 with a 12-darter for a break of throw.
Wright 0-1 Anderson
2045: Here's some overall tournament stats I haven't had time to put in a nice graphic for you...
Tournament average
- Wright 101.62
- Anderson 101.18
Most 180s
- Anderson 25
- Wright 25
Checkout Percentage
- Anderson 44.83% (39/87)
- Wright 38% (38/100)
2035: Right, I've quickly rustled up these pre-final stats, which may help your bets if you fancy a flutter. I personally can't call it, with both players beating MVG in classic matches today!
Wright is the marginal 6/5 outsider with Sky Bet to beat Anderson for the first time in 2018 but if he finishes like we've just seen, can the Flying Scotsman, who is 4/6 favourite, stop him?
Match result: Michael van Gerwen 9-11 Peter Wright
Averages
- Van Gerwen: 101
- Wright: 101
180s
- Van Gerwen: 7
- Wright: 4
Checkout %
- Van Gerwen: 45% (9/20)
- Wright: 78.57% (11/14)
Highest Checkouts
- Van Gerwen: 88
- Wright: 130
LEG 20
Peter Wright has actually done it! He trailed 3-0 and 8-5 but has fought back with an incredible display of finishing to win 11-9! In this leg, with MVG on 96, Wright hits outer bull, treble 17 and double eight to take out 92 and raise the Brighton Centre roof!
MVG 9-11 Wright
LEG 19
Van Gerwen halt's Wright's charge as he hits double nine at the second attempt and the last dart of his fifth visit as the ruthless Snakebite waited on 80.
MVG 9-10 Wright
LEG 18
This is the hottest finishing you're ever likely to see! Wright has come from 8-5 down to lead 10-8 as he pins double 16 for a 15-darter, which was helped by a pair of 140s! He's hit 10 out of 13 attempts at a finish!
MVG 8-10 Wright
LEG 17
Snakebite is now in the lead for the first time after hitting the bullseye for the THIRD time in this incredible match! It seems him take out an 83 checkout for a 15-darter and we can't forget at one point he was 3-0 down. He's now hit nine of his 12 attempts at a finish.
MVG 8-9 Wright
LEG 16
MVG goes off the boil in this leg which allows Snakebite, who hits his fourth 180, to coast along to a 16-darter. He was even allowed a rare miss at a double, with MVG way back on 188.
MVG 8-8 Wright
LEG 15
Wright comes back out from the interval with a timely 180 - his third of the match - and although he later misses a dart at double 16, he's able to return on his next visit to take it out for a superb 13-darter. MVG was waiting on 55.
MVG 8-7 Wright
INTERVAL STATS & SKY BET ODDS
Van Gerwen 1/14, Wright 13/2
Click here for Sky Bet's in-play Price Boosts & odds
Averages
- Van Gerwen: 107.5
- Wright: 102.8
180s
- Van Gerwen: 7
- Wright: 2
Checkout %
- Van Gerwen: 47.06%
- Wright: 85.71%
Highest Checkouts
- Van Gerwen: 88
- Wright: 130
LEG 14
Snakebite keeps his hopes alive as four successive visits of 100+, including a 136 with his fourth, leaves him tops and he pins it coolly for a 13-darter.
MVG 8-6 Wright
LEG 13
Wright misses his first double of the match when going under at tops and MVG punishes him by pinning two sixes at the second attempt for a 16-darter.
MVG 8-5 Wright
LEG 12
Van Gerwen turns it on again as his seventh 180 of the match leaves him 88, which he polishes off for a 12-darter. Wright was back on 110 so he's still 100% on doubles. That won't be any consolation if he loses.
MVG 7-5 Wright
LEG 11
MVG stops the rot but only because he wins the leg without allowing Wright a dart at a double! He nearly did, however, missing three attempts at double 16 before finishing it off for a 17-darter.
MVG 6-5 Wright
LEG 10
This is absolutely incredibly for Snakebite! He's STILL 100% ON FINISHING as he hits his second bullseye of the match, this time to checkout from 130 for a 12-darter! It was an awesome leg overall, with MVG hitting two maximums and Wright also making three 100+ scores.
MVG 5-5 Wright
LEG NINE
What has Snakebite been working on this afternoon to get so hot on his doubles! This time he pins tops at the first attempt for an 81 checkout that finishes off a super 12-dart leg that started with both players exchanging 180s.
MVG 5-4 Wright
LEG EIGHT
Wright is still 100% on his finishing after nailing the bullseye to complete his 84 checkout under huge pressure with MVG waiting on tops!
MVG 5-3 Wright
1950: As we wait for MVG and Wright to come out after the interval, here's a my attempted interview with Mensur Suljovic. It's also an example of why never to talk to dejected sportsmen after they've just lost!
INTERVAL STATS & SKY BET ODDS
Van Gerwen 1/16, Wright 7/1
Click here for Sky Bet's in-play Price Boosts & odds
Averages
- Van Gerwen: 110
- Wright: 105
180s
- Van Gerwen: 3
- Wright: 1
Checkout %
- Van Gerwen: 62.5%
- Wright: 100%
Highest Checkouts
- Van Gerwen: 86
- Wright: 96
LEG SEVEN
A pumped up van Gerwen shows his emotion when pinning double four under pressure with the third dart of his sixth visit. Wright was waiting on 51.
MVG 5-2 Wright
LEG SIX
Wright, weakest of the final four on finishing this weekend, remains 100% on his doubles in this match but he's only had two! His dart at two 18s sees him take out 96 for a welcome 15-darter, with MVG waiting on 40.
MVG 4-2 Wright
LEG FIVE
Ruthless from MVG, who fires in visits of 180, 137 and 168 before pinning double eight for a 10-darter! That's the second of the weekend, with Wright getting the other.
MVG 4-1 Wright
LEG FOUR
Snakebite gets off the mark at last when three successive 100+ visits helps him on his way to a 15-darter, which is sealed by a 78 checkout. Great mid-range finishing from both players so far.
MVG 3-1 Wright
LEG THREE
Three zip now as MVG defies Wright's first 180 with an 86 checkout to complete a 14-darter.
MVG 3-0 Wright
LEG TWO
MVG follows up visits of 97 and 140 with his first 180 to leave 84, and he checks it out for a 12-darter.
MVG 2-0 Wright
LEG ONE, VAN GERWEN TO THROW FIRST
Van Gerwen makes a flying start as a visit of 177 leaves him tops, which he takes at the second attempt for a 14-darter.
MVG 1-0 Wright
1935: No rest for the wicked, its time for the second semi-final between MVG and Peter Wright.
The Dutchman is favourite win, obviously, but Snakebite has won three of their eight meetings in 2018, including their last in Melbourne.
Match Result: Mensur Suljovic 4-11 Gary Anderson
Averages
- Suljovic: 92
- Anderson: 102
180s
- Suljovic: 4
- Anderson: 4
Checkout %
- Suljovic: 36.36%
- Anderson: 52.38%
Highest Checkouts
- Suljovic: 92
- Anderson: 96
LEG 15
Anderson storms into the Champions League Darts final for the second year in a row after beating the defending champion with a 13-darter to completes the rout.
Suljovic 4-11 Anderson
LEG 14
Suljovic spurns a dart at tops and Anderson punishes him on double 18 to finish off a 16-darter. The Flying Scotsman is one leg from the final.
Suljovic 4-10 Anderson
LEG 13
Anderson's five-leg streak is over as Suljovic pins double 10 with his 15th dart. If he'd failed, Anderson was waiting on tops to move within one of victory.
Suljovic 4-9 Anderson
LEG 12
Suljovic's title reign is being brutally ended tonight as Anderson takes out 81 after three successive 140s for a 12-darter. Ruthless stuff.
Suljovic 3-9 Anderson
LEG 11
Anderson is blowing his opponent away and a pair of 180s either side of a ton leaves him 41, which he takes out easily enough to complete a 12-darter. Suljovic was waiting on 85.
Suljovic 3-8 Anderson
LEG 10
Suljovic is struggling in this competition for the first time ever and is still back on 114 when Anderson pins double five for a routine 16-darter that included a pair of 140s.
Suljovic 3-7 Anderson
LEG NINE
The Flying Scotsman is living up to his name as three 100+ visits and one of 96 set him up for a 13-darter, which he finishes on double 18.
Suljovic 3-6 Anderson
LEG EIGHT
Anderson comes back out after the interval with a second 180 and ends the leg with a 96 checkout to complete a 14-darter.
Suljovic 3-5 Anderson
INTERVAL STATS & SKY BET ODDS
Suljovic 5/1, Anderson 1/9
Click here for Sky Bet's in-play Price Boosts & odds
Averages
- Suljovic: 99
- Anderson: 94
180s
- Suljovic: 4
- Anderson: 1
Checkout %
- Suljovic: 50%
- Anderson: 40%
Highest Checkouts
- Suljovic: 92
- Anderson: 81
LEG SEVEN
Suljovic's fourth 180 is supported by a 140 that leaves him 92, which he takes out for a 15-darter.
Suljovic 3-4 Anderson
LEG SIX
Anderson is playing some quality darts now and his first 180 is sandwiched between scores of 135 and 130 en route to a 15-darter, with Suljovic back on 149.
Suljovic 2-4 Anderson
LEG FIVE
Suljovic now leads 3-0 on 180s but he trails 3-2 in legs as Anderson fires in three successive visits of 140 before taking out 81 for a 12-darter.
Suljovic 2-3 Anderson
LEG FOUR
Suljovic hits his second maximum but he goes on to miss two darts at double 11 and Anderson takes advantage on tops for a 12-darter.
Suljovic 2-2 Anderson
LEG THREE
Both players hit 14 180s apiece in that epic World Matchplay final in Blackpool and Suljovic nails the first tonight after a visit of 140 which sets up a 13-darter, finished on double 16.
Suljovic 2-1 Anderson
LEG TWO
Quite a slow start for both players scoring wise but Anderson ends an 18-darter with a checkout of 70 on tops to get himself back on level terms.
Suljovic 1-1 Anderson
LEG ONE, SULJOVIC TO THROW FIRST
Anderson has won the last three encounters against Suljovic if you go back to last year's Grand Slam of Darts so it's fair to say he's learnt to deal with the Austrian's slow style. Nevertheless it's the defending champion who takes the opening leg in 16 darts, with Anderson back on 72.
Suljovic 1-0 Anderson
1835: So we're all set to resume for the semi-finals as Mensur Suljovic bids keep his dream of a second successive Champions League of Darts title alive. Standing in his way is Gary Anderson, who brought the house down earlier against MVG!
Paul Nicholson told us in an earlier interview (scroll way down for it!) that he wanted a Suljovic v Anderson final for the drama the pair create with their contrasting styles. Well, the title may not be on the line but expect no shortage of thrills and spills like we saw in the World Matchplay final this summer.
1800: Here's some tournament stats of the final four players, which may help you with your bets tonight.
Tournament average
- MVG 102.72
- Wright 101.69
- Suljovic 100.50
- Anderson 99.57
Most 180s
- Anderson 21
- Wright 21
- MVG 14
- Suljovic 9
Checkout Percentage
- Suljovic 50.85%
- MVG 44.62%
- Anderson 42.42%
- Wright 31.40%
1720: Michael van Gerwen remains hot favourite to lift the trophy with Sky Bet at 4/7 while Gary Anderson is 7/2 ahead of Mensur Suljovic (7/1) and Peter Wright (8/1).
Anderson doesn't like playing Suljovic and lost twice to him last year, including the final, but he did gain revenge in an epic World Matchplay final. He's 4/9 favourite, with Suljovic 7/4 to maintain his 100% record in this tournament.
In the second semi-final, MVG is 1/5 to see off Peter Wright, who can be backed at 7/2.
Here are the head-to-head stats ahead of both games...
Bare in mind Snakebite did win their last meeting in the Melbourne Darts Masters semi-finals.
1630: Before we enjoy a well-earned rest before the evening session, just enjoy this final leg of darts between MVG and Gary Anderson!
1620: So here's how both groups finished after a dramatic afternoon at the Champions League of Darts...
GROUP A
- Michael van Gerwen P 3 W 2 L 1 LegDiff +10 Pts 4
- Gary Anderson P 3 W 2 L 1 LegDiff +6 Pts 4
- Daryl Gurney P 3 W 2 L 1 LegDiff +2 Pts 4
- Dave Chisnall P 3 W 0 L 3 LegDiff -18 Pts 0
GROUP B
- Mensur Suljovic P 3 W 3 L 0 LegDiff +14 Pts 6
- Peter Wright P 3 W 2 L 1 LegDiff +7 Pts 4
- Rob Cross P 3 W 1 L 2 LegDiff -7 Pts 2
- Simon Whitlock P 3 W 0 L 3 LegDiff -14 Pts 0
The semi-final schedule is Gary Anderson v Mensur Suljovic in a repeat of last year's final followed by Michael van Gerwen v Peter Wright, with the final shortly after that!
Match result: Michael van Gerwen 9-10 Gary Anderson
Averages
- MVG: 100
- Anderson: 98
180s
- MVG: 4
- Anderson: 6
Checkout %
- MVG: 37.5%
- Anderson: 55.56%
Highest Checkouts
- MVG: 112
- Anderson: 160
LEG 19
What a finish! Anderson kicks off the leg with a 43 before MVG responds with a 174. The Dutchman goes on to reach 134 with Anderson back on 299 and seemingly dead and buried. But as MVG scrambles and misses two darts for the match in the next two visits, Anderson lands a stunning 140 checkout to send the crowd wild!
MVG 9-10 Anderson
LEG 18
It's going to a deciding leg as MVG holds his nerve on double 16 for a 14-darter and despite being 8-3 down, is he now favourite to win this?
MVG 9-9 Anderson
LEG 17
This is getting very tight now as MVG's fourth 180 of the match leaves him 42, which he takes out with single 10 double 16 for a 14-darter. Anderson was waiting back on 112.
MVG 8-9 Anderson
LEG 16
Van Gerwen stays alive with an 80-checkout to complete a 15-darter although Anderson was way back on 257.
MVG 7-9 Anderson
LEG 15
Five perfect darts from Anderson get the crowd excited but his second visit ends up being 140, although a further score of 137 leaves him 44, which he takes out in two. One away from victory.
MVG 6-9 Anderson
LEG 14
And another for MVG! IS the comeback on?
MVG 6-8 Anderson
LEG 13
Even better now from the Dutchman as a 100 checkout gives him a 12-darter than sees him cut Anderson's lead further still.
MVG 5-8 Anderson
LEG 12
MVG won't give in though and pulls one back with a 15-darter which was helped along by a superb visit of 174 to leave 16.
MVG 4-8 Anderson
LEG 11
Anderon edges closer to vitory with a 14-darter and MVG is really struggling now.
MVG 3-8 Anderson
INTERVAL STATS & SKY BET ODDS
MVG 5/1, Anderson 1/9
Click here for Sky Bet's in-play Price Boosts & odds
Averages
- MVG: 98
- Anderson: 101
180s
- MVG: 2
- Anderson: 4
Checkout %
- MVG: 25%
- Anderson: 50%
Highest Checkouts
- MVG: 112
- Anderson: 160
LEG 10
Double eight for Anderson gives the Flying Scotsman a 76 checkout for a 14-darter - but more importantly a 7-3 lead at the break. It's been a joy to watch as usual!
MVG 3-7 Anderson
LEG NINE
MVG pulls a leg back with a 112 checkout for a 15-darter that punishes Anderson for missing double tops.
MVG 3-6 Anderson
LEG EIGHT
For the FOURTH time this weekend, Anderson is on for the nine-darter after back-to-back 180s! This time he only manages single 20 with his seventh dart but still goes on to win the leg on his next visit with an 83 checkout.
MVG 2-6 Anderson
LEG SEVEN
I shouldn't write so much when these two play each other. MVG spurns four darts at a double as Anderson swoops in for a 19-darter having earlier missed three of his own.
MVG 2-5 Anderson
LEG SIX
For the THIRD time this weekend, Gary Anderson puts himself on for the nine-darter with back-to-back 180s and he even pins treble 20 with his seventh dart! But yes, you've guessed it, he hits single 19 with his next before treble 18 leaves eight. Incredibly MVG was waiting on 48 but misses his two darts at double 16 as Anderson returns to complete his 11-darter.
MVG 2-4 Anderson
LEG FIVE
You've got to love these matches between this pair. The Flying Scotsman is doing just that as four more 100+ visits defies MVG's second 180 of the match to complete a 13-darter.
MVG 2-3 Anderson
LEG FOUR
Suddenly it's all-square as van Gerwen fires in a two-dart checkout from 74. Blink and you miss this one!
MVG 2-2 Anderson
LEG THREE
MVG mathematically seals his place in the semi-finals by getting his first leg on the board as he manages a clinical 80 checkout for a 15-darter, with Anderson waiting on 48.
MVG 0-1 Anderson
LEG TWO
Anderson follows up his explosive finishing in the first leg with a flurry of scoring in the second, as four successive 100+ visits leave him 16, which he takes out at the first attempt for a 13-darter.
MVG 0-2 Anderson
LEG ONE, ANDERSON TO THROW FIRST
The Flying Scotsman makes a, well, flying start, with a stunning 160 checkout to take the opening leg. There wasn't much to shout about in his previous 15 darts through.
MVG 0-1 Anderson
1540: Michael van Gerwen has a far superior record over Anderson, this year especially, and is 1/3 with Sky Bet to defeat the Flying Scotsman, who is 23/10.
1535: The Group A table ahead of this crunch clash for Gary Anderson and Michael van Gerwen, who wants to knock the Flying Scotsman out
- Michael van Gerwen P 2 W 2 L 0 LegDiff +11 Pts 4
- Daryl Gurney P 3 W 2 L 1 LegDiff +2 Pts 4
- Gary Anderson P 2 W 1 L 1 LegDiff +5 Pts 2
- Dave Chisnall P 3 W 0 L 3 LegDiff -18 Pts 0
1530: Now it's time for Gary Anderson against Michael van Gerwen and here's a reminder of what Paul Nicholson had to say to me about it earlier...
Match Result: Daryl Gurney 10-7 Dave Chisnall
Averages
- Gurney: 93
- Chisnall: 93
180s
- Gurney: 5
- Chisnall: 3
Checkout %
- Gurney: 37.5%
- Chisnall: 33.33%
Highest Checkouts
- Gurney: 84
- Chisnall: 95
LEG 17
What a leg of darts to finish! Chizzy opens up with a 180 and 177 to be on for a nine-darter and although the St Helens man then hits single 20, he follows it up with a treble 20 and a treble 16 to leave just 16. However, he doesn't even get a dart to finish as Gurney hit two maximums after an opening 58 to leave 83, which he takes out on the bullseye! You won't see many better legs!
Gurney 10-7 Chisnall
LEG 16
Gurney one away from victory now after edging a laborious and tense 20-dart leg in which Chizzy couldn't reach a finish.
Gurney 9-7 Chisnall
LEG 15
Chizzy looks fired up even though he's out and shows his satisfaction with an 87 checkout - after Gurney missed a shot at double 16 - to draw within one leg again.
Gurney 8-7 Chisnall
LEG 14
The Northern Irishman is two away from a victory he badly needs thanks to a clinical 14-darter, finished off on double 16.
Gurney 8-6 Chisnall
LEG 13
It's a one-leg game now as Gurney fails to make the most of his sixth 180 and Chizzy punishes him with a superb 114 checkout on double 19 to complete a 15-darter.
Gurney 7-6 Chisnall
LEG 12
Chizzy opens up with a lowly 54 but follows it up with back-to-back 140s and a further visit of 142 to leave 52, which he takes out in two darts.
Gurney 7-5 Chisnall
LEG 11
Gurney closing in on the victory as he pins tops for a 77 checkout that completes a 15-darter.
Gurney 7-4 Chisnall
INTERVAL STATS & SKY BET ODDS
Gurney 1/6, Chisnall 7/2
Click here for Sky Bet's in-play Price Boosts & odds
Averages
- Gurney: 93
- Chisnall: 93
180s
- Gurney: 5
- Chisnall: 3
Checkout %
- Gurney: 37.5%
- Chisnall: 33.33%
Highest Checkouts
- Gurney: 84
- Chisnall: 95
LEG 10
The Northern Irishman edges towards a crucial victory as his fifth 180 of the match and a 66 checkout puts the seal on a 15-darter - although Chizzy did miss an attempt at tops to level the scores.
Gurney 6-4 Chisnall
LEG NINE
Gurney edges ahead but it's a mediocre 18-darter in which he didn't score above 100 in any visit.
Gurney 5-4 Chisnall
LEG EIGHT
The pair trade 180s before Gurney throws two darts in the bullseye, either side of a bounce out, to leave 32, which he takes out at his first attempt to level the scores with a 13-darter.
Gurney 4-4 Chisnall
LEG SEVEN
Chizzy's second 180 after an opening 46 is followed by visits of 135 and 90 to leave him 50, which he takes out in two for a 14-darter that he completes on 50.
Gurney 3-4 Chisnall
LEG SIX
Gurney hits his third 180 in a leg which sees Chisnall denied his second by a bounce out and the Northern Irishman backs it up by pinning tops for a 13-darter.
Gurney 3-3 Chisnall
LEG FIVE
It's three legs in a row now for the popular Chizzy as he pins double 10 for a 17-darter after Gurney agonisingly missed the bullseye for a 170.
Gurney 2-3 Chisnall
LEG FOUR
The standard improves as the pair exchange 180s at the start of this leg, which is won by Chizzy with a fine 95 checkout to complete a 15-darter.
Gurney 2-2 Chisnall
LEG THREE
Chisnall gets on the board in 17 darts but only due to Gurney missing four attempts at doubles.
Gurney 2-1 Chisnall
LEG TWO
Gurney opens his 180 account with his first visit of the next leg and ends it with an 84 checkout for a 15-darter, with Chizzy again missing one double attempt - this time on tops.
Gurney 2-0 Chisnall
LEG ONE, GURNEY TO THROW FIRST
The World Grand Prix champion is up and running but he only completes his 16-darter after Chisnall missed a chance at double 16.
Gurney 1-0 Chisnall
Does Sweet Caroline ever get old?
1435: Next up we move into the final games in Group A as Daryl Gurney takes on Dave Chisnall. The Northern Irishman must really win this to put pressure on Gary Anderson, who faces MVG afterwards. Gurney is 4/7 favourite with Sky Bet and Dave Chisnall is 11/8 for a consolation win.
This is a reminder of how the Group A table is looking
- Michael van Gerwen P 2 W 2 L 0 LegDiff +11 Pts 4
- Gary Anderson P 2 W 1 L 1 LegDiff +5 Pts 2
- Daryl Gurney P 2 W 1 L 1 LegDiff -1 Pts 2
- Dave Chisnall P 2 W 0 L 2 LegDiff -15 Pts 0
1435: Afterwards Wright said: "It's nice to beat the world champion, obviously Rob Cross didn't play anything like he can. However, every time I've played him I've always played rubbish, but there I played okay.
"I still missed doubles, but that's something I've got to go work on in the back room and get ready for the semis later. It's always special to beat the world champion of course, he's got that title and he deserves that.
"I could have Michael van Gerwen later, but it doesn't matter who I've got to be honest. I know I'm capable of beating him, if I hit my doubles. I've got the game to match Michael, it's not a problem. I'm starting to feel I can win it now. I know there's lots more to come, so hopefully I'll save that for later on."
1430: So Group B is concluded with a much-improved Peter Wright joining the Champions League of Darts specialist Mensur Suljovic in tonight's semi-finals. The Austrian will take on the runner-up in Group A - most likely to be either Gary Anderson or Daryl Gurney - while Wright will probably be playing MVG.
- Mensur Suljovic P 3 W 3 L 0 LegDiff +14 Pts 6
- Peter Wright P 3 W 2 L 1 LegDiff +7 Pts 4
- Rob Cross P 3 W 1 L 2 LegDiff -7 Pts 2
- Simon Whitlock P 3 W 0 L 3 LegDiff -14 Pts 0
Match Result: Peter Wright 10-3 Rob Cross
Averages
- Wright: 102
- Cross: 90
180s
- Wright: 7
- Cross: 3
Checkout %
- Wright: 37.04% (10/27)
- Cross: 33.33% (3/9)
Highest Checkouts
- Wright: 121
- Cross: 39
LEG 13
Snakebite misses a match dart on tops but Cross spurns two doubles of his own when attempting to take out 110. Wright comes back aiming at double 10, which he pins with his third dart.
Wright 10-3 Cross
LEG 12
Wright is pummelling Cross into submission here as a seventh 180 is supported by scores of 140 and 145 to leave him 36, which he takes out at the first attempt for a 10-darter.
Wright 9-3 Cross
LEG 11
Snakebite picks up where he left off after the break with a superb 11-darter, consisting off a sixth 180 sandwiched between visits of 123 and 134 which left him 64.
Wright 8-3 Cross
LEG 10
Three visits of 140 in a row puts Wright in control of the leg, which he takes in 15 darts to take an ominous lead into the break.
Wright 7-3 Cross
LEG NINE
Cross finds some momentum for the first time in this match with a 17-darter that only comes after Wright missed two attempts at tops. Still life in this one but Voltage will need to win the last leg before the interval.
Wright 6-3 Cross
LEG EIGHT
Voltage turns the heat up with two 180s en route to a 14-darter, which he finished with a checkout from 39.
Wright 6-2 Cross
LEG SEVEN
Snakebite hits back to stop the potential Cross recovery by pinning double 16 after two previous misses at the same target to complete a 16-darter. Voltage didn't even have a shot at a double.
Wright 6-1 Cross
LEG SIX
Gurney trailed MVG 5-0 last night before getting on the board and making a game of it, so Cross won't be giving up now. He takes his first leg with an impressive 13-darter but his average is still a shade below 90.
Wright 5-1 Cross
LEG FIVE
We've never seen a 10-0 in almost three editions of the Champions League of Darts and surely the current world champion won't be the first to suffer that humiliation? It's on the cards now as Wright sinks double 12 after two earlier misses for a 16-darter. Voltage was back on 71.
Wright 5-0 Cross
LEG FOUR
Voltage is suddenly in big, big trouble here as two visits of 140 either side of a ton leave him 121, which he takes out on the bullseye for a 12-darter.
Wright 4-0 Cross
LEG THREE
Not for the first time this weekend, a nine-darter is on the cards when Wright lands back-to-back 180s but boos cry out when his next dart lands in single five. He still goes on to take the leg in 12-darts. Rembember if any player manages the perfect leg this weekend, the whole crowd will share £50,000.
Wright 3-0 Cross
LEG TWO
Much better from Wright who hits his first 180 en route to a 13-darter to double his early lead.
Wright 2-0 Cross
LEG ONE, WRIGHT TO THROW FIRST
That was such a poor first leg that I managed to watch the first six visits in the arena before running back to the press room, log back in and start typing again before it finished! Even though Cross threw a 180 (which I saw), he went on to miss four darts at a double and Wright, who missed five, eventually punished him on double four for a 21-darter.
Wright 1-0 Cross
1345: It's time for the do or die showdown in Group B between Peter Wright and Rob Cross after both lost to Mensur Suljovic yesterday but also beat Simon Whitlock. Sky Bet make Cross 4/5 to make it six wins over Wright this season while Snakebite is evens. I'm backing Voltage to go through here as he's got a superb record against Snakebite this season.
Match Result: Mensur Suljovic 10-1 Simon Whitlock
Averages
- Suljovic: 100
- Whitlock: 91
180s
- Suljovic: 2
- Whitlock: 1
Checkout %
- Suljovic: 71.43% (10/14)
- Whitlock: 16.67% (1/6)
Highest Checkouts
- Suljovic: 135
- Whitlock: 61
LEG 11
Suljovic's Champions League of Darts dream shows no sign of ending anytime soon as a rampant 10-1 victory sees him end his group campaign with a 100% record. Including last year's title run, he's now won all of his eight matches in this competition. He won his 10th leg on the trot in 17 darts but only after Whitlock missed two attempts at a double.
Suljovic 10-1 Whitlock
LEG 10
Nine legs in a row for Suljovic as a second 96 checkout in a row completes another 15-darter and who on earth would want to face him on this form in the semi-finals?!
Suljovic 9-1 Whitlock
LEG NINE
A superb 12-darter from Suljovic, comprising of three big tons and a 96 checkout, defies Whitlock's first maximum of the match
Suljovic 8-1 Whitlock
LEG EIGHT
Suljovic gets a chance from 127 after Whitlock fails to get a dart at a double from 74...and he takes it by going treble 20, treble 17, double eight. It's punishing darts from the Austrian.
Suljovic 7-1 Whitlock
LEG SEVEN
Brutal from Suljovic. A second maximum of the match at the start of the leg and a 74 checkout at the end seals a 15-darter to further extend his lead.
Suljovic 6-1 Whitlock
LEG SIX
The defending champion is powering towards a third successive win (and eighth overall in this tournament) as he clinically takes out 60 in two darts, with Whitlock back on 108. His average has rocketed to 104.
Suljovic 5-1 Whitlock
LEG FIVE
The Austrian follows up his 12-darter in the previous leg with an 11-darter, which was set up by his first 180 sandwiched between visits of 137 and 140.
Suljovic 4-1 Whitlock
LEG FOUR
Suljovic is finding top gear as he follows visits of 140 and 171 with a superb 135 checkout - going bullseye, treble 19, double 14. Classy.
Suljovic 3-1 Whitlock
LEG THREE
The Austrian is only averaging 89 but that doesn't stop him taking advantage of another missed dart at a double from Whitlock to go into the lead.
Suljovic 2-1 Whitlock
LEG TWO
Suljovic is back on level terms although his 17-darter is clinched after Whitlock spurns an attempt at double eight.
Suljovic 1-1 Whitlock
LEG ONE, WHITLOCK TO THROW FIRST
First blood to Whitlock and impressively so as two visits of 100+ help set up a 15-darter, which he completes with a 61 checkout.
Suljovic 0-1 Whitlock
1315: Mensur Suljovic and Simon Whitlock make their way to the stage for today's opener. It may be a 'dead rubber' but the Austrian will want to extend his perfect record in this competition.
1300: Due to popular demand, I've just updated our head-to-head graphics for each of this afternoon's four group games. So here they are in game order...
Mensur Suljovic is 2/5 favourite with Sky Bet to make it three wins from three while already-eliminated Simon Whitlock is 15/8 outsider to be the first man to beat the Austrian on this stage.
It's do or die when Peter Wright and Rob Cross meet in Group B after both lost to Mensur Suljovic yesterday but beat Simon Whitlock. Sky Bet make Cross 4/5 to make it six wins over Wright this season while Snakebite is evens.
Daryl Gurney is 4/7 favourite with Sky Bet to get the win he needs to put pressure on Gary Anderson later while down and out Dave Chisnall is 11/8 for a consolation win. This is their first meeting of 2018.
Michael van Gerwen has a far superior record over Anderson, this year especially, and is 1/3 to defeat the Flying Scotsman, who is 23/10.
1230: I've just caught up with player, coach and excellent pundit Paul Nicholson ahead of today's action. He talks about the Rob Cross v Peter Wright play-off, a feisty clash between MVG & Anderson and why he really wants to see the Flying Scotsman in the final tonight against Mensur Suljovic. Click play below...
1210: I'm now settled in position in the bowels of the Brighton Centre for another long yet exciting final day of darts. Think I'm missing out on the sights of Brighton?
(Brighton tourist board please don't get in touch, it is really a lovely city)
1020: So we've had a look at the tables, picked out a treble for this afternoon and heard from the players. Join me later for live coverage from the remaining group games and, of course, the knockout stages tonight!
1015: I interviewed all four winners from the yesterday's evening session so here's what they said. You can watch all four videos below by clicking play, even if you're not on Twitter.
Anderson on his prospects...
Cross on a mixed day and how much victory in front of his own fans would mean to him...
Man of the moment Mensur Suljovic on his chances of defending his title...
1010: My afternoon treble is Rob Cross to beat Peter Wright, Daryl Gurney to defeat a demoralised Dave Chisnall and Gary Anderson to stun MVG. That's over 8/1 with Sky Bet.
Voltage has won his last three against Snakebite and overall I feel he's close to reaching his best form again while Chizzy's confidence is on the floor after yesterday's two big defeats.
Anderson doesn't have a great record against MVG of late, losing six of their last seven games, but on his day he's one of the few players who can defeat him on a big stage...and he needs to! Van Gerwen was brilliant against Chizzy but showed signs of weakness against Gurney, who even could have pinched it despite not playing to his own high standards.
1000: Welcome to the second and final day of the Champions League of Darts, here in Brighton.
Later this afternoon and evening we'll bring you live scores, stats & video clips from each game but first lets mull over the group standings and the updated odds for glory.
Group A is slightly more complicated as no player is yet to mathematically qualify but basically Michael van Gerwen, who won both games yesterday, has the chance to knock Gary Anderson out this afternoon while Daryl Gurney needs to beat rock-bottom Dave Chisnall.
In Group B, the defending champ is already through ahead of his clash with eliminated Simon Whitlock after beating both Rob Cross and Peter Wright, who now meet in a sudden death shootout for a place in the semi-finals.
GROUP A
- Michael van Gerwen P 2 W 2 L 0 LegDiff +11 Pts 4
- Gary Anderson P 2 W 1 L 1 LegDiff +5 Pts 2
- Daryl Gurney P 2 W 1 L 1 LegDiff -1 Pts 2
- Dave Chisnall P 2 W 0 L 2 LegDiff -15 Pts 0
GROUP B
- Mensur Suljovic P 2 W 2 L 0 LegDiff +5 Pts 4
- Peter Wright P 2 W 1 L 1 LegDiff 0 Pts 2
- Rob Cross P 2 W 1 L 1 LegDiff 0 Pts 2
- Simon Whitlock P 2 W 0 L 2 LegDiff -5 Pts 0
* Mensur Suljovic has qualified for the semi-finals
* Simon Whitlock and Dave Chisnall are eliminated
* Peter Wright v Rob Cross is a shoot-out to qualify alongside Mensur Suljovic in Group B
* Daryl Gurney has to win his game against Dave Chisnall if he is to remain in with a chance of qualifying, which would leave him waiting for the result of the Michael van Gerwen v Gary Anderson game.
* Michael van Gerwen may have qualified for the semi-finals before his game begins, depending on the result of the earlier game.
CLICK HERE FOR DAY ONE RESULTS & RECAP
Here are the updated title odds and you can see the defending champion, who started out at 12/1, is now second favourite after another impressive day on this stage. Having won all five of his matches last year, he's still got a 100% record in the Champions League of Darts.
Champions League of Darts odds
Prices below are boosted by Sky Bet
- Michael van Gerwen 4/6 from 4/7
- Mensur Suljovic 6/1 from 5/1
- Gary Anderson 8/1 from 7/1
- Rob Cross 9/1 from 8/1
- Peter Wright 9/1 from 8/1
- Daryl Gurney 20/1 from 16/1
- CLICK HERE TO PLACE YOUR BETS