UK Darts Issue 13 - April 2014 | Page 30

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