Premier League Darts 2016 Results: Scores, Standings, Schedule After Exeter
Phil Taylor flexed his muscle on Night Five of the Premier League Darts 2016 at the Westpoint Arena in Exeter, crushing Adrian Lewis 7-1 in a destructive performance on Thursday.
The Power produced his very best to brutalise his opponent as he furthered his chances of capturing the league title.
With a stunning three-dart average of 116.67 through the contest, world No. 1 Michael van Gerwen was also at his most aggressive as he dispatched Peter Wright 7-2.
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Two-time world champion Gary Anderson fought back from 3-0 down to beat Robert Thornton 7-4, as the Thorn collapsed against his fellow Scotsman.
James Wade beat Dave Chisnall 7-4 in their match, as the 2009 Premier League champion prevailed with ease. Chizzy suffered with his technique and finishing on the night, allowing Wade to slip through the gears.
Michael Smith shocked Raymond van Barneveld in the final match of Thursday night, beating the Dutch legend 7-5.
Here are the full results from Night Five and the latest schedule for the competition:
| Phil Taylor | 7-1 | Adrian Lewis |
| Dave Chisnall | 4-7 | James Wade |
| Robert Thornton | 4-7 | Gary Anderson |
| Peter Wright | 2-7 | Michael van Gerwen |
| Michael Smith | 7-5 | Raymond van Barneveld |
| March 10 | Night 6 | Nottingham |
| March 17 | Night 7 | Glasgow |
| March 24 | Night 8 | Liverpool |
| March 31 | Judgement Night | Cardiff |
| April 7 | Night 10 | Sheffield |
| April 14 | Night 11 | Belfast |
| April 21 | Night 12 | Bournemouth |
| April 28 | Night 13 | Birmingham |
| May 5 | Night 14 | Manchester |
| May 12 | Night 15 | Rotterdam |
| May 19 | Play-Offs | London |
Sky Sports Darts shared the Premier League standings:
All statistics are courtesy of the PDC's official website.
Taylor Destroys Lewis On Night Five
The sight of Taylor dismantling an opponent is nothing new to darts fans, but The Power has found an extra gear in his game as he looks to win the Premier League.
The phenomenon reduced Lewis' game to rubble as he flew through the legs with precision and ease, leaving his opponent in his dust.
Taylor was up 5-0 in the blink of an eye as Lewis looked shellshocked and beaten in a matter of minutes.
The Power temporarily took his foot off the gas in the sixth leg as Jackpot claimed a position on the scoreboard, but it proved to be only a consolation as Taylor sprinted ahead.
Both players hail from Stoke-on-Trent and know each other's games well, but Lewis had no chance against Taylor in this mood.
The six-time Premier League champion completed the rout 7-1, averaging 104 on the night.
Darts blog 3 Dart Analyst provided further stats after the match:
Taylor was delighted with his performance after the contest, via the PDC:
Van Gerwen continued to set new standards of darts on Thursday as he charged down Wright. Both players produced periods of huge scoring, but the Dutchman was a class apart despite his opponent averaging 108.98.
The pair traded blows until the fourth leg when Mighty Mike checked out on 100 to steal a break. Snakebite attained a further leg to make it 3-2, but it was his last success of the night.
Van Gerwen hit a hot streak and claimed four legs in a row to close out the match, scoring 100 or more on 24 occasions as he stepped up to the oche.
Anderson produced a wonderful comeback against countryman Thornton, fighting back from 3-0 down to win seven from eight legs.
Thornton hit a 136 checkout to take the third leg, and the finish fired the Flying Scotsman into the action.
The reigning world champion took the match by the scruff of the neck as Thornton began to miss consecutive doubles.
Anderson hit four maximums as he caught and surpassed his opponent, but it was a lacklustre display from both men.
There were also wins for Wade and Smith, who defeated a below-par Chisnall and Van Barneveld. The experienced duo were not at the races as their opponents battled harder and faster.
Wade watched as Chisnall struggled with his technique, often missing treble 20 by an inch. The Machine swept past Chizzy with consummate ease, winning 7-4 at a canter.
Smith defeated the legendary Dutchman 7-5 to claim his first win of the competition. Barney was nowhere near his best as he was deservedly beaten.
Taylor and Van Gerwen lead the way at the top of the standings on eight points, and their level of quality has hit new heights.
The Power looked a beaten man in the earliest stages of the competition, but he has fought back to produce a run of form that reflects his vintage best.
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