Sporting Life
Michael van Gerwen defeated Jose De Sousa
Michael van Gerwen defeated Jose De Sousa

Darts results: Michael van Gerwen wins second Players Championship title in three days at the PDC Summer Series

By Chris Hammer
19:08 · FRI July 10, 2020

Michael van Gerwen picked up his second Players Championship title in three days as he continued to shine during the PDC Summer Series in Milton Keynes.

The world number one, who beat Peter Wright in a decider leg on Wednesday to snatch the first of five tournaments this week before a shock early exit to Maik Kuivenhoven 24 hours later, came from 2-0 down to defeat Jose De Sousa 8-3 to pocket another cheque for £10,000 at the Marshall Arena.

Van Gerwen's average of 102.5 against the Portuguese star was his third above 100 across his seven matches having also managed 106.3 during a 6-4 victory over Chris Dobey in the quarter-finals and a best of 107.3 against James Wade (6-2) in the previous round.

The Dutchman, who now has 133 career PDC titles to his name and three this year including the televised UK Open, came agonisingly close to a nine-darter in his triumph over the Machine but had to make do with a 10 against the throw.

Van Gerwen also brushed aside Alan Tabern (6-2), Kim Huybrechts (6-1) and Robert Collins (6-2) during the early stages while he overcame the challenge of a spirited Jeff Smith 7-4 in the last four.

"It's a good result for me," the 30-year-old told www.pdc.tv. "I had some really good games and I had to fight hard today, and sometimes that's good because it gives you a lot of confidence.

"I had a phenomenal game with Chris Dobey, and Jose is a brilliant player who has been in finals before. The 130 and 146 finishes I think won me the game.

"I feel good and I'm comfortable but I still think there's plenty more in the tank. My goal was to win two titles and I'm doing well and I hope I can do some more damage in the next two days."

Scroll down for more results and World Matchplay qualification update

De Sousa, however, had produced even more sizzling performances throughout the day to reach is fourth PDC final since earning his Tour Card at the start of 2019, only to fall short of his third title.

The 46-year-old, who will be competing in his maiden World Matchplay here later this month by virtue of his lofty position on the ProTour Order of Merit, averaged 109.3 against Adam Hunt (6-1), 107.4 against Danny Noppert (6-4) - with the Dutchman weighing in with 109 himself - 105.9 against Gerwyn Price (6-3), 102.1 against Stephen Bunting (6-2) and 105.7 against Daryl Gurney (7-3) in the semi-finals.

The only times the world number 51 dipped below 100 was during the final, in which he posted 97.8, and his second-round win over PDC newcomer Aaron Beeney, who had earlier celebrated his first ever triumph on the circuit at the 15th attempt.

The prison officer was a shock winner of a Tour Card at Q School back in January despite very little experience of competitive darts compared to his fellow hopefuls and it wasn't much of a surprise to see him struggle until a superb 6-5 success over two-time BDO world champion Scott Waites.

But as you can see from this interview, it's been worth the wait for the self-proclaimed 'pub player' after practicing hard during lockdown as well as earning a promotion in his full-time job.

In terms of World Matchplay qualification, Smith's £3,000 run to the semi-finals gave his outside chances a boost although he'll need to go one better - and preferably land a maiden title - to earn a spot at the sport's second biggest major.

The Canadian earned his Tour Card on the same day as Beeney but despite reaching a Players Championship final at the first attempt, the three months period without a tournament halted his rise up the rankings.

Dobey also really needs to win his first career PDC title over the weekend - or a final at the very least - after his run to the quarter-finals still leaves him around £5,000 outside the qualification places on the ProTour Order of Merit.

Bunting, who like Dobey suffered a particularly alarming ranking slide compared to most due to prize money coming off the rankings during inactivity, thrust himself back in the mix with a similarly positive run to the last eight.

There are two tournaments of the PDC Summer Series remaining, with £150,000 of total prize money still up for grabs, before qualification period for the World Matchplay ends. The draw will then take place on Sunday evening.

PDC Summer Series Day Three Results (Players Championship 11)

Last 16

  • Jose De Sousa 6-3 Gerwyn Price
  • Stephen Bunting 6-3 Ryan Murray
  • Daryl Gurney 6-1 Ryan Meikle
  • Ian White 6-2 Jonny Clayton
  • Peter Wright 6-4 Jermaine Wattimena
  • Jeff Smith 6-1 Mike De Decker
  • Chris Dobey 6-4 Dimitri van den Bergh
  • Michael van Gerwen 6-2 James Wade

Quarter-Finals

  • Jose De Sousa 6-2 Stephen Bunting
  • Daryl Gurney 6-0 Ian White
  • Jeff Smith 6-3 Peter Wright
  • Michael van Gerwen 6-4 Chris Dobey

Semi-Finals

  • Jose De Sousa 7-3 Daryl Gurney
  • Michael van Gerwen 7-4 Jeff Smith

Final

  • Michael van Gerwen 8-3 Jose De Sousa

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