Premier League Darts Playoffs 2015 Results: Scores, Standings and Analysis
World champion Gary Anderson made it a magnificent double as he won the Premier League title at the 02 Arena in London.
The Scotsman destroyed world No. 1 Michael van Gerwen 11-7 in the final after sneaking past Dave Chisnall in a dramatic semifinal playoff.
Van Gerwen had dismantled Raymond van Barneveld in their playoff tie to set up his match with the eventual champion.
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PDC Darts confirmed Anderson's emphatic victory:
"GARY ANDERSON WINS 2015 BETWAY PREMIER LEAGUE!!!! pic.twitter.com/q5YSh2LU4d
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) May 21, 2015"
Anderson Edges Chisnall; Van Gerwen Outruns Van Barneveld
The night started with a classic encounter between Chisnall and Anderson, who stayed neck-and-neck throughout their epic battle.
At eight legs each, Chisnall had appeared to take the advantage he needed as his clearance put him within one leg of the final.
But Anderson showed his pedigree as he tightened up his game to take it to a last-leg thriller. Chisnall hit a 180 from the off but could not maintain the pace as the nerves began to show.
And it was left to Anderson—who had not led in the entire match—to hit a magnificent finish of 116 to break his opponent's heart at the final hurdle. Chisnall missed a double-four to win the game, allowing Anderson to steal the prize win, 10-9.
In the second playoff match, Van Gerwen and Van Barneveld mirrored Chisnall and Anderson, taking their tie to 7-7 after a gruelling set of darts.
However, defending champion Van Barneveld could not keep up with the younger man's pace, as the world No. 1 stormed over the line to eliminate the legend, 10-8.
Anderson Reigns Supreme
In the final, Van Gerwen raced out of the blocks to lead 2-0—but world champion Anderson showed his class as he took five of six legs to take a commanding 5-3 lead.
Van Gerwen made mistake after mistake—and Anderson responded with a wave of magnificent checkouts. And in the blink of an eye, Anderson took the next two legs, obtaining a 7-3 lead into the break.
When the players returned, it was the Dutchman who started more quickly, as highlighted by Sky Sports Darts, but Anderson always appeared to have a grip on the contest:
However, Van Gerwen once again allowed countless opportunities to slip, making decisions not befitting his No. 1 status. Anderson continued to punish him and made it 9-6 with ease.
Anderson missed an easy checkout of 61 to take his 10th leg, giving the Dutch player a glimpse of hope. But the Scotsman turned the screw once again, taking the match to 10-7 to break Van Gerwen's resolve.
And as Van Gerwen missed doubles by more than an inch, Anderson steamed over the line to become the Premier League champion.
Anderson was fortunate to make his way past Chisnall, but his performance in the final was scintillating and spectacular. Despite Van Gerwen's magic, Anderson was able to cage the beast and play the game to his pace—and romp to the win.
Van Gerwen will need to look at his own game when he faces Anderson in the future, as the Scotsman seems to have his number.
Anderson could dominate darts from this point onward with his blend of timing and ruthlessness so potent.
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