Michael van Gerwen creates Premier League history by winning his seventh title to get away from the great Phil Taylor; Sky Sports return for the World Cup of Darts at the Eissporthalle in Frankfurt from June 15-18 as Australia defend their title
By Raz Mirza & Megan Wellens at the O2
Last Update: 26/05/23 01:17
Michael van Gerwen won a record seventh Premier League darts title at London’s O2
Michael van Gerwen won the Premier League title for a record seventh time after beating Gerwyn Price 11-5 in the final at London’s O2 on Thursday night.
The Dutchman, who joined Taylor on six wins 12 months ago, passed him after a masterful performance to beat the Welshman Price with a searing display of arrows.
Van Gerwen, whose participation was in doubt after withdrawing from last week’s final weekly round in Aberdeen with a shoulder injury, has dominated this competition since winning his first title a while ago. 10 years.
Nobody loves the O2 stage like him and after winning a thrilling semi-final against rival Michael Smith, where he won 10-8, he got the better of Price in the final, finishing with an average of 105, 4.
Premier League – Finals Night at the O2 in London
| Semi-finals | Gerwyn Award | 10-2 | Jonny Clayton |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michael Smith | 8-10 | Michel van Gerwen | |
| Final | Gerwyn Award | 5-11 | Michel van Gerwen |
Please use Chrome browser for more accessible video player
Van Gerwen and Price exchange blows with an incredible series of crates in the Premier League final
There was nothing to separate the darting duo of Price and Van Gerwen in the first five innings before the Dutch ace broke the pitch with a breathtaking 139-170 to open a 4-2 advantage.
He underscored his incredible scoring power by holding in the next then breaking again with a stunning 128 finish on a double 10 to advance 6-2, averaging 108 in the process.
Price responded with a fabulous 161 bullseye finish to reduce the backlog, but Van Gerwen knew he was only four legs away from the title in the meantime.
However, four missed darts from the Dutchman allowed ‘The Iceman’ for a double 12 to trail 7-4, but MVG fought back with an 11-dart before sinking a double 2 to move ever closer to glory.
An exhibition 150 on a double 18 put Van Gerwen 10-5 away and it was all over in the next game as he hit a double 9 to retain his crown.
7 – Michael van Gerwen
6 – Phil Taylor
2- Gary Anderson
1 – James Wade, Raymond van Barneveld, Glen Durrant, Jonny Clayton
Please use Chrome browser for more accessible video player
MVG thinks it’s the start of a ‘great year’ and they’re hungrier than ever
“I’ve been working really hard lately. Obviously I had some issues last week, we all know Gerwyn Price is in fantastic form, Michael Smith has won the last three weeks,” the player said. 34 years old.
“I get questions all the time about when I’m going to do it again, so I put pressure on myself. I keep doing it, but today it motivated me and I think that’s probably what made me win.
“I think today I played fantastic darts. What more could you wish for than to win this trophy?
“You always have to pick the right moments, but to come back here in the O2 and play like guys like Michael Smith, Gerwyn Price in the final, you have to play your A-game.
“I had to do something special today and I was really happy that I could do it. I worked hard for it.”
Please use Chrome browser for more accessible video player
Watch the moment MVG won their seventh Premier League title…
Price is still looking for his first title and a brilliant campaign, where he won four of the weekly rounds, ends in ultimate disappointment.
He was crestfallen after the loss saying: “I just didn’t find the trebles, the doubles, I didn’t find anything, that’s how it goes sometimes.
“I’m gutted. I just felt this one was the one that got away, I was missing from so far, I wasn’t even close, I don’t know what happened.”
Please use Chrome browser for more accessible video player
Price took a little break midway through the final against Van Gerwen to ‘fix’ his darts
MVG takes revenge for world championship loss
Van Gerwen defied a late rally from Smith to advance to a record ninth Premier League final
Van Gerwen beat Smith 10-8 in a repeat of January’s historic world championship semi-final.
It was the St Helens star who got off to the best start as he pinned a whopping 128 for an early pitching break.
MVG then broke in 12 darts to snatch the lead from the world No. 1 before reeling off four legs on the spin for a 5-2 lead.
Please use Chrome browser for more accessible video player
Smith’s incredible 91 finish had the O2 on the edge of their seats. The delayed reaction was even better!
The Dutchman continued to throw stunning darts, moving up 7-3 at the break and averaging 108.29.
Smith responded with a 114 checkout after the restart to cut the deficit to three innings and a crucial 86 checkout saw ‘Bully Boy’ bring it back to 8-6.
Van Gerwen then squandered five darts in doubles, leaving Smith in for a roof 91 over the bullseye to trail 8-7, but MVG quickly regained his composure to pull away a leg away from victory.
Please use Chrome browser for more accessible video player
Smith’s impressive resurgence continued with this jaw-dropping 123 crate
Smith saved the game with a saving 123 on the bull after ‘Mighty Mike’ failed with two match darts, but it was over in the next game with Van Gerwen nailing a double 10 to advance to his ninth final of the Premier League.
Price wins Welsh showdown
Price proved too good for fellow Welshman Clayton in their semi-final clash
The first semi-final was an all Welsh affair and it was Price who prevailed against Jonny Clayton with a blistering 10-2 win.
Price got off to a flying start to win the first five sets unanswered, Clayton averaging less than 86.
Please use Chrome browser for more accessible video player
Price had a stunning 131 checkout to defeat Clayton
Although ‘The Ferret’ stopped the rot, Price’s consistency on the treble continued, knocking out a 12-dart in game seven.
From there it was easy for ‘The Iceman’ and although Clayton went 8-2 he completed the victory with a fabulous 131 on the highs.
Please use Chrome browser for more accessible video player
The Iceman was left speechless after beating World Cup teammate Clayton
Please use Chrome browser for more accessible video player
Take a look at the best of the action from Finals Night of the Premier League in London where MVG was simply the best!
What’s next on Sky Sports?
Simon Whitlock and Damon Heta will defend their World Cup of Darts titles
The annual World Cup of Darts will expand to 40 teams from the previous 32 in a revamped format that will include a group stage and doubles matches throughout four days of action at Frankfurt’s Eissporthalle from 15 to June 18 as Australia defend the title.
In a dramatic change from previous years, the tournament will see Iceland, Ukraine and Bahrain set to make their debuts.
Watch all the World Cup of Darts action from June 15-18 – live on Sky Sports.