VAN GERWEN THE BOSS IN BERLIN! 🟢 Michael van Gerwen survives two match darts in a dramatic last-leg decider to edge out Luke Littler and claim the Night Two spoils in the German capital! 🇩🇪 📺 bit.ly/PLD24Live #PLDarts | Final
Michael van Gerwen captures weekly title in Berlin after cracking final against teen sensation Luke Littler
PDCThursday, 08 February 2024 at 23:55
Michael van Gerwen took the weekly title Thursday night during the second round of play in Premier League Darts. In Berlin, Van Gerwen won in the final after a cracker of teenage sensation Luke Littler.
With this weekly title, 'Mighty Mike' immediately drags in his first five points in this Premier League Darts. Last week in Cardiff, the world number two went down in his first match against Michael Smith. However, Van Gerwen was able to take revenge on 'Bullyboy' in Berlin.
The seven-time Premier League champion had reached the final after wins over Nathan Aspinall (6-4) and Michael Smith (6-5). Littler in turn had won over Rob Cross (6-5) and Luke Humphries (6-5).
Van Gerwen had to take a break right at the start of the final. He did not start the match badly and even missed the double 14 for a 12-darter in the first leg, but had to watch as Littler threw a 12-darter to force an immediate break. Littler then held his own leg via a 14-darter for a 2-0 lead. However, 'The Nuke' was then twice not out in five visits, allowing Van Gerwen to come back to 2-2.
A neat 11-darter in his own leg then gave the Dutchman a 3-2 lead. Littler then threw out 68 for 3-3, after which Van Gerwen retook the lead with an important 80 finish via double 5. In the eighth leg, Littler was again not out in five visits, but Van Gerwen failed to create a break opportunity. Littler got a sixth turn and via an 18-darter made it 4-4.
Van Gerwen then slipped up by missing two chances at double 16 for 5-4. Littler then led from 102, but missed tops for a break. Van Gerwen narrowly edged to 5-4 with double 8. A deciding leg was needed when Littler scored with a 72 finish for the 5-5 win.
Both players then began the final leg with a turn without a treble. Van Gerwen then managed to throw a 180, but also recorded a 46. Littler fought back by also throwing a 180 and then left 80 thanks to a 134 score. However, Littler could not capitalize on his two matchdarts, after which Van Gerwen threw out 25 for the overall win.
This weekly title puts Van Gerwen, along with Luke Littler, on five points in the new Premier League Darts standings. Smith is still in the lead. After a weekly title last week and a semifinal in Berlin, the Englishman is on seven points after two rounds of play.
Just in
Subscribe to our Daily Newsletter today!
Oct 20, 22:28
0
Popular news
Latest comments
- It's called talent and good on him.medinabello21-11-2024
- There are 30 Players Championship rounds to play first throughout the year and you have to be in the top 64 to get to the finals. This is probably the hardest Major to win as its the top 128 players at each event or the top ranked Challenge Tour players if any tour card holders drop out.Mysstree20-11-2024
- So the winner of this 4 day event just gets $30k less than the winner of the Grand Slam which is played over 9 days?medinabello20-11-2024
- If John McDonald is doing Kirk Bevins job, then just give him the mic & save 1 pay packet.Cameron.W19-11-2024
- I completely agree with Vincent's comments on "whistlegate". It's great to have someone with Vincent's exprience address this issue, so hopefully clearer and stricter guidlelines can be given to referees, security and members of the crowd. No whistling during throws, and something like: whistlers evicted and fined a hefty sum.
UndartedWaters19-11-2024