Premier League: Week 14
we were playing for survival and to try to stay in the competition, so a
point is not too bad for me.”
“It’s up to me to get a result next week and it’s nip and tuck, but it’s
going to be interesting next week against Robert Thornton. A draw
might get me in but I’ll be trying to win the game and I’ll be putting
the hard work in because I’ve got no choice.”
“I won’t give up on this,” added Wright. “I’ve earned my place in this
tournament I’m going to fight all the way to try and get into the top
four.”
“I’m trying to fight in every single leg. I’m not playing as well as I know
I can, but I’ll be practising loads and hopefully I can produce my best
darts next week and get a win.”
Michael van Gerwen 7-4 Raymond van Barneveld
Michael van Gerwen claimed victory in the all Dutch affair to all but
wrap up top spot in the league for a second successive year.
His opponent initially moved into a 3-1 lead, but as van Gerwen first
levelled and then forced his nose in front at 4-3 the writing seemed to
be on the wall.
Photo: PDC/Lawrence Lustig
This was confirmed in the eighth leg, which the reigning World Champion
also took, and whilst Barneveld was able to get back to within a single
leg at 5-4 behind it was his dominant opponent who secured both points
with a spectacular 132 checkout in the eleventh leg.
“It was a great finish to win the game and it brought back memories
of taking out 132 to win the play-offs final last year,” admitted van
Gerwen. “At the beginning of the game I made it difficult for myself
but I was the better player overall.”
“It was a huge game between us because we both want to be top of
the table, and I’m very happy to be top. It was also important because
it was live on Dutch television, a