Premier League Darts 2016 Results: Scores, Standings, Schedule After Nottingham
Another masterclass from Michael van Gerwen saw him preserve his lead at the top of the Premier League table on Thursday, although Phil Taylor sent out a message that things will not be plain sailing for the Dutchman.
Van Gerwen was far too good for Dave Chisnall in the final match of the evening in Nottingham, securing a routine 7-2 win. But the performance of the round came from the Power, who whitewashed Robert Thornton 7-0; Taylor is on the same points as MVG, although he is trailing because of an inferior leg difference of one.
Additionally, there were wins for Gary Anderson, Adrian Lewis and James Wade on another absorbing night of darts. Here are the results, updated standings and a recap of how the action panned out in Week 6 of the Premier League:
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
| Michael Smith | 3-7 | Gary Anderson |
| Adrian Lewis | 7-3 | Peter Wright |
| Raymond van Barneveld | 5-7 | James Wade |
| Phil Taylor | 7-0 | Robert Thornton |
| Michael van Gerwen | 7-2 | Dave Chisnall |
Here are the updated standings, per Sky Sports Darts:
Taylor Chasing Down Van Gerwen
The standards Van Gerwen has set in the competition have been sensational this season, but Taylor reminded those watching that there’s plenty of life in the veteran.
Indeed, the 16-time world champion kept in touch with his rival after dismantling Thornton in double quick time. From the off, it was clear that the Power was in the mood here, notching 180 with his first three darts, and he built from there throughout the contest, leaving the Scot with few chances.
Here is the moment when Taylor clinched the win, much to the delight of the assembled crowd, and moved to the top of the table temporarily:
The win put a degree of pressure on Van Gerwen, especially against a determined competitor like Chisnall. But the Dutchman strode up to the oche with the confidence of a player who is performing at his peak.
An 11-dart finish in the opening leg of the match set the tone for Van Gerwen, and although Chisnall did level things up at 1-1, it was clear he was always going to struggle to keep pace with the world No. 1.
The man from St. Helens did pick up another leg, although it was only a consolation, as MVG retook his place at the top of the table with a 7-2 win. As Sky Bet noted, he did so with another impressive average, setting up what’s likely to be a fascinating tussle with Taylor next week:
"MvG proves far too good for Chizzy, cruising to a 7-2 win with a 113.47 average. His clash with Phil Taylor next week will be massive!
— Sky Bet (@SkyBet) March 10, 2016"
The man in closest proximity to the two darting juggernauts is Lewis, who made light work of Peter Wright in a 7-3 win.
Despite being a two-time world champion, the man known as Jackpot doesn’t have the best record in the Premier League, having made it to the final on only one occasion. But he seems to have the taste for it this year and will be hoping to capitalise next week when the top two meet.
Here’s what he had to say in the aftermath, insisting he’s looking forward to facing world champion Anderson on home turf next week:
The Scot is beginning to find his groove, too. Having lost two and won two heading into his clash with the dangerous Michael Smith, a 7-3 win was the tonic for him, pushing him clear of the bottom two spots. Elsewhere, Wade moved up into a playoff position, edging past Raymond van Barneveld in a closely fought 7-5 victory.
Taylor never receives a pleasant reception from the Glasgow crowd, and that could play a part in his key showdown with Van Gerwen next Thursday.
Nevertheless, the stage is set for an absorbing match, not only between the top two players in the league, but also the top two in-form stars in the darts stratosphere at the moment.
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
