UK Darts Issue 12 - March 2014 | Page 18

Premier League: Week 4 “My start hasn’t worried me at all. I am a good and bad loser at the same time really, I hate losing but there are nine World class opponents here and it’s going to happen. It wasn’t my best tonight, when I hit 112 and 115 averages consistently that’s when I am back. It’s a busy period now with the tournaments coming thick and fast and that could really suit me.” Raymond van Barneveld 7-5 Michael van Gerwen A sublime performance from Raymond van Barneveld, that silenced any lingering doubts about his selection, secured a victory and his spot in the top four as the league began to heat up. The five-time World Champion regained his two leg cushion at 3-1 and again at 4-2 and was able to maintain it throughout as he went on to secure a crucial win that left him level on points with his in form compatriot. Barneveld ended the match with a massive 107.31 average, having landed five maximums and a high finish of 85, whilst van Gerwen himself played well, averaging nearly 99. Gary Anderson 7-5 Dave Chisnall Gary Anderson, like Barneveld before him, has answered any questions about his selection emphatically and this performance was no exception, the Scotsman ensured an unbeaten trio of his countrymen in front of their home crowd as he edged out an impressive Dave Chisnall in a thrilling encounter. Chisnall led 3-2 during the early stages, but a strong response from Anderson, that included a 170 checkout, meant that he moved in front at 4-3 and never looked back as he went on to claim the match and two valuable points that see him lying sixth in the table. Anderson average, of 108.22, topped that of Barneveld and Chisnall Photo: PDC/Lawrence Lustig Barney raced into a 2-0, before being pegged back by a battling van Gerwen, who closed the gap but was never able to level up.