Michael van Gerwen has ended the opening night of the 2021 Premier League Darts with the fourth successive draw against Dimitri van den Bergh - who impressed on his full debut.
Van Gerwen and Van den Bergh were locked in all the way but the latter assured himself of a point only to be denied the win by a clutch 101 checkout for a 12-darter in the decider.
Van Gerwen produced an early statement of intent of sorts with a 14-darter on double 20 to lead but Van den Bergh took his chance from 90 to draw level.
A stunning 164 checkout on the bull saw Van den Bergh break as he looked to take the game to Mighty Mike.
But parity was soon restored with a 12 darter and an 81 checkout to make it 2-2 as it went back on throw. A poor leg from Van Gerwen saw Van den Bergh with a break chance again though and he missed the bull for a 121 but returned to pin double four last dart after MVG slammed in a 174 to pressure.
Van Gerwen missed double 18 for a 147 but returned to break again after Van den Bergh missed 68 on double 16 and it was set at 3-3. Both players hit 180's but it was Van Gerwen who got the first shot missing 164 on the bull but he led at 4-3 with Van den Bergh not able to get a shot at 161.
It went on with a 50 checkout gleaming a hold for Dancing Dimi at 4-4. Van Gerwen missed double 20 for a 113 checkout but returned with DvDB not on a finish to make it 5-4.
Still nothing split them with Van den Bergh making it 5-5. Was another draw on the cards?
Van den Bergh missed double 16 for 112 checkout and a guaranteed point but wasn't punished as Van Gerwen missed two himself off a 96 checkout.
DvDB would not be beaten tonight as he returned to sink double four. Van Gerwen applied major pressure to the throw of Van den Bergh to try and claim a point and pinned 101 on double 18 to deny the debutant an opening night win.
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