Visits: 2
Raz Mirza
Comment & Analysis @RazMirza
James Wade, Gerwyn Price, Mensur Suljovic and Daryl Gurney all keep alive hopes of a coveted top-four place
Last Updated: 26/04/19 12:27am
Birthday boy Michael van Gerwen was forced to settle for a point against James Wade as draws dominated the Premier League at Arena Birmingham on Thursday night.
With three nights left to play, the battle is on places in the Play-Offs at The O2 on May 23, with just one point separating the four players placed third to sixth.
Live Premier League Darts
May 2, 2019, 7:00pm
Live on
Gerwyn Price failed to take four match darts against Rob Cross as they drew the second match of the evening, while Mensur Suljovic battled back from 6-2 down to rescue a draw against last year’s runner-up Michael Smith in the opener. Daryl Gurney was the big winner of the night as he moved into contention with an important win over Peter Wright.
James Wade 7-7 Michael van Gerwen
Van Gerwen was determined to celebrate his 30th birthday in style and came out with a cool 13-darter, but Wade responded with two consecutive 121 bull finishes.
The world No 1 was feeling the pressure from ‘The Machine’ who was motoring with an average a smidgen over 105 but the Dutchman responded with a fine 117 to level it up at 4-4.
Van Gerwen, who claimed his 30th European Tour title in Germany at the weekend, pinned a superb 107 to make it 5-5, but Wade responded again for a ninth successive hold of throw before applying the squeeze to clean up 68 for a 14-dart break.
MVG came back firing to hit back in a dozen darts and he secured a hard-fought draw in a tungsten thriller thanks to D16.
Rob Cross 7-7 Gerwyn Price
Former world champion Cross opened proceedings with a 120 finish, but Price responded with a 101.
The class was oozing from Cross’ arrows as he landed a stunning 108 to move 3-1 up. But gritty Welshman Price was not going away and he struck back by winning the next four legs to take a 5-3 lead.
In a fascinating clash, Price showed composure under pressure to hit D10 for a 6-4 advantage before a timely maximum, followed by 58 in two darts, put him on course for a win. However, he spurned four darts for maximum points and paid the price as Cross landed D16 for a share of the spoils.
DOWNLOAD THE LATEST EPISODE OF THE DARTS SHOW PODCAST
Mensur Suljovic 7-7 Michael Smith
Smith made an electrifying start as he took a 3-1 lead in the opening game of the night but Suljovic was clinging onto his coat-tails in a match of fine margins.
Both players were averaging over a ton, and, despite a frustrating seventh leg, ‘Bully Boy’ landed D5 for what appeared a crucial double break of throw. The Austrian had other ideas, though, and he sank 120 before finishes of 84 and 58 put him within one leg of his opponent at 6-5.
He soon levelled things up after hitting D15 before a stunning 116 guaranteed him an unlikely point. Smith held his nerve to land D8 with his last dart in hand to salvage a draw.
Daryl Gurney 8-4 Peter Wright
Another week, another set of darts for Wright, and although things started well for him, Gurney quickly reeled him in with finishes of 104 and 101 for a 3-2 advantage.
A magnificent 124 on the bullseye from ‘Snakebite’ pegged things back to 4-4, but Northern Irishman Gurney put himself in prime position with a 116 checkout and a 6-4 lead. He then pinned D8 before completing the job thanks to a nerveless 81 on D13.
What comes next? Night 14 – Thursday, May 2 – Manchester Arena
James Wade | vs | Gerwyn Price |
Daryl Gurney | vs | Michael van Gerwen |
Peter Wright | vs | Mensur Suljovic |
Rob Cross | vs | Michael Smith |
The Premier League continues as we head to the Manchester Arena on Thursday, May 2. You can also stay up to date with all the action by following us @SkySportsDarts and get all the latest news, previews and interviews www.skysports.com/darts