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MVG defeated Rob Cross 7-2 in Birmingham (Picture: Lawrence Lustig/PDC)

Premier League Darts results: Michael van Gerwen thrashes Rob Cross to secure top spot once again

Darts

Thu May 03, 2018 · 7y ago

Michael van Gerwen dished out a 7-2 thrashing to world champion Rob Cross as he secured top spot in the Premier League for the sixth year in a row.

Scroll down below the match-by-match reports for statistics and updated table

More revenge for MVG over Voltage

Michael van Gerwen secured top spot in Premier League Darts for an incredible sixth season season in a row with a thumping 7-2 victory over world champion Rob Cross.

It was only their second meeting since that epic semi-final meeting at the Alexandra Palace in December, which Cross edged en route to defeating Phil Taylor in the final, but like their first in Dublin, it was the Dutchman who gained another measure of revenge by the same scoreline.

MVG was averaging over 120 at one stage as he threatened the 10th whitewash in Premier League history but Cross finally got on the board with a cool finish from 78 to complete 15-darter.

The damage had already been done with two 14-dart legs, an 11-darter and one in 12, and the momentum hardly slowed up when MVG crashed home a sensational 144 checkout to go 5-1 up.

The next two legs were shared before the 29-year-completed the rout with a bull finish to take out 86 after two single 18s.

MVG finished with an average of 111.57, which more than made up for averaging less than 100 for the first time in 36 Premier League games last week, while he hit three 180s.

Topping the table means he claims the £25,000 league leader's bonus and will play whoever finishes fourth in the play-off semi-finals at the O2.

👍🎯 The highlight of MVG's second 7-2 thrashing of Rob Cross this season...

📽@OfficialPDC pic.twitter.com/GqHxJIlXvV
— Sporting Life (@SportingLife) May 3, 2018

MVG told www.pdc.tv: "I think it was a phenomenal game from me, I did the right things when I had to. I know I have to perform well every week and I have to make sure I do the right things at the right times.

"You have to keep Rob under pressure because he has a lot of confidence, and I did that. I didn't make many mistakes and it was a great win for me. I'm so happy to be top for a sixth season.

"I know I'm the best but I have to make sure I go out at prove it every week. The pressure if off me now and I can make sure I'm fully focused going to The O2."

Gurney's 'maximum' not enough for victory

Daryl Gurney hit a 147 break, sorry - checkout, and another of 167 but he was forced to settle for a 6-6 draw against Michael Smith.

🙌 The wait for a 147 is over!

🎯 Oh sorry, wrong sport pic.twitter.com/W28I1wkMuW
— Sporting Life (@SportingLife) May 3, 2018

Realistically needing a win to put pressure on Gary Anderson and Rob Cross in the play-off race, the Northern Irishman produced a superb display under pressure, nailing six 180s to boost his average to 98.82.

Gurney also came from 4-2 down to lead 5-4 in a pulsating affair only for the already-qualified Smith to match him dart for dart right down to the wire.

Bully Boy needed to hold throw in the final leg to share the points and did so by taking out 81 on the bullseye.

The result meant Gurney needed Raymond van Barneveld to beat Gary Anderson just to stand just a glimmer of hope ahead of the final week of the regular season.

Barney did indeed prevail 7-3 but Gurney will need to beat Peter Wright 7-2 or better next week and hope Anderson loses to MVG by a scoreline big enough to overturn a leg difference deficit of 12.

WOW WOW WOW WOW

What a moment from SuperChin Daryl Gurney as he takes out the 167#Unibet180 #LoveTheDarts pic.twitter.com/eAszJFYqY9
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) May 3, 2018

Smith needed three legs just to mathematically make sure of his play-off spot and afterwards he said: "My dad can book his hotel for The O2 now. Daryl hit me with some good shots, the 147 and the 167, but I kept my head level.

"I knew I needed one big leg at the end, thankfully I threw well and went out in 12 darts."

Anderson stunned again but almost there

Gary Anderson suffered back-to-back shock defeats in the Premier League but he's still just a couple of legs away from securing his place in the Play-Offs.

The Flying Scotsman was stunned by Simon Whitlock last week and seven days later was crushed 7-3 by an inspired display from already-eliminated Raymond van Barneveld.

However, as fifth-placed Daryl Gurney could only draw with Michael Smith in the previous game, Anderson is two points ahead in fourth and holds a vastly superior legs difference that is 12 better than the Northern Irishman.

Barney, who led 5-1 at one point, will be encouraged by his performance, averaging over 100, hitting three 180s and converting seven of his 13 attempts at doubles, including one at tops to take out 103.

Anderson in trouble.......?#Unibet180 #LoveTheDarts pic.twitter.com/cPWuWvxGzT
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) May 3, 2018

"When the pressure is off, you release stress and I felt very comfortable," said Van Barneveld. "I was playing well and I felt focused. I tried to win by a big score to keep myself in the tournament.

"It hasn't been my best Premier League campaign but I want to end it well and finish as high up the league as possible."

Snakebite moves off the bottom

Peter Wright moved off the bottom of the Premier League table with a 7-4 victory over Simon Whitlock.

With no chance of reaching the play-offs in a fortnight, both men were playing for just pride and the potential of extra positional prize money.

Neither played particularly dazzling darts, with just a single 180 thrown in the match courtesy of the Wizard - although that was even in vain.

Wright's highlight moment came when moving 6-4 up as he nailed an impressive 118 checkout while he finished with an average of 93.05.

WHAT A SHOT TO GUARANTEE A POINT

Snakebite Wright comes up with the goods when it matters#Unibet180 #LoveTheDarts pic.twitter.com/MCUuVVQrAd
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) May 3, 2018