UK Darts Issue 14 - May 2014 | Page 15

“Raymond’s been remarkable during this Premier League and he’s blown everyone else away, and he’s up there at the top of the table. Against Dave I didn’t feel nervous but I didn’t click as well as I can, but I got a good result.” “There’s five players who can qualify for the four places and it’s a race for the ticker-tape now, so the pressure’s on and everybody’s going to push forward.” The Verdict There were some key results for those chasing the play-offs and the top spot this week. Gary Anderson’s victory over Michael van Gerwen, which marks a continued run of good form, has put him in with a great chance of taking the fourth play-off spot from either Phil Taylor or Peter Wright. The result also served to open up the battle for top spot as Raymond van Barneveld was able to pick up a point against Phil Taylor. The two Dutchmen will battle it out in week 14, with the winner looking almost certain to secure the lucrative position. Despite only picking up a draw Peter Wright is still in with a very real chance of making the play-offs although he will need good results against both Taylor and van Gerwen. Three points on the night for Taylor sees him in pole position to reach the play-offs and I can honestly say I didn’t think I would be saying that after the first five weeks. Credit where it is due to Taylor he has battled back from adversity like only he can. After Week 13 Michael van Gerwen Raymond van Barneveld Phil Taylor Peter Wright Gary Anderson Adrian Lewis Dave Chisnall Robert Thornton P 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 W 9 7 7 6 7 3 3 2 D 2 6 3 4 2 5 4 5 L 3 1 4 4 5 6 7 7 +/+22 +22 +10 +11 +6 -12 -12 -12 Pts 20 20 17 16 16 11 10 9 Photo: PDC/Lawrence Lustig