Premier League: Week 10
“This was a very important win and I’m feeling really good after that,”
said van Gerwen. “At one point Robert broke me and got ahead, and
hit some good shots.
“I was strong enough to take the game at the end and I was the better
scorer. My form’s still good and I’ve shown I can hit my darts at the
right moments, and I’m fighting hard for every point.
“I want to keep this position I won’t be relaxing even though I’m top. I
play twice next week, so I’ll be aiming for four points.”
Phil Taylor 7-4 Adrian Lewis
Phil Taylor moved into the top four for the first time this season courtesy
of this crucial victory over Adrian Lewis.
The Power trailed 2-3 and 3-4, but a strong run of four consecutive legs
to close the match out proved to be enough for the resurgent sixteentime World Champion to secure a vital two points.
“That was an
important win and
a massive game”
Phil Taylor
Taylor checked out a 144 on his way to averaging over 100 as his return
to form continued and his critics fell silent.
“That was an important win and a massive game,” said Taylor. “He
kept going in front and I’d pull back, and the 102 finish was the shot of
the match and I had to hit that.
“Then 144 was a big shot too and I’m really pleased. It’s been in my
mind all week that I could get into the top four and it’s all about
getting into the semi-finals now - but I want to get back to number one
and I’m fighting to do that.”
Raymond van Barneveld 7-5 Peter Wright
Raymond van Barneveld completed his double on the night with this
victory, which also condemned Peter Wright to his second defeat of
the night.
“It’s tough playing
twice but I wanted
to win both
matches and I did,
so I’m very happy”
Raymond van Barneveld
All of the legs went with throw until at 4-4 Wright missed
a dart at bull for a 122 checkout that would have
produced the first crucial break of the match.
Instead it was Barneveld who took this honour,
breaking throw in the tenth leg to secure a
minimum of one point before going on to
secure both points with a solid hold of throw.
“It’s tough playing twice but I wanted to win
both matches and I did, so I’m very happy,”
said van Barneveld, who had drawn his last
five games ahead of the visit to Sheffield.
“Dave played some absolutely awesome darts in
Photo: PD