Van Gerwen recovers to seal first European Tour title since 2019 with German Darts Championship win against Cross

Michael van Gerwen has claimed his first European Tour title since 2019 and has opened up his account for 2022 in terms of ranking titles with victory over Rob Cross in the final of the German Darts Championship.

Cross would have thought that he had a golden opportunity to claim his first European Tour title when going 4-1 up but as he started to falter, MVG got stronger as he claimed it 8-5 in the end as he continues to get back towards his best with another big confidence boosting win.

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To begin the tie, Van Gerwen missed 110 on double 18 and Cross hit back on double eight. Cross missed 142 for the break but returned for double five with Van Gerwen not able to hit 130 and he went 2-0 up.

Cross missed 158 to consolidate that and Van Gerwen took aim at 100 pinning two double 20’s to break back and he was throwing for 2-2.

A poor leg for Van Gerwen saw Cross break again with a 76 checkout to make it 3-1. He consolidated to bring up a three leg gap to make it 4-1.

A 12-darter back from Van Gerwen saw him hold and make it 4-2. Cross paid for leaving himself on a bogey number as Van Gerwen pounded in a 171 only to miss 94 after ‘Voltage’ laid up 147. Only to miss again as Van Gerwen broke back to make it 4-3.

It was a quality leg from both with both stuck on 100 and Van Gerwen hit double 20 twice for a 100 again to make it 4-4.

Cross replied with a 121 to hit double 18 to make it 5-4. He couldn’t hit 161 and Van Gerwen held with a 72 checkout to make it 5-5.

A 165 to leave 40 saw Van Gerwen look at a break. He missed three darts for it but returned with Cross missing double 20 for a 125 checkout. It was now 6-5 for MVG.

Cross had no answer and was fading as Van Gerwen continued to romp towards the finishing line and he hit 86 to go 7-5 up and one away from the title. Cross missed 104 to hold and Van Gerwen pinned double 18 for the title.