Michael van Gerwen produced some of his best darts this year to win a seventh Premier League title on Thursday night.
A week ago, Van Gerwen was forced to withdraw from the final weekly event in Aberdeen with an arm injury, initially putting his participation in London in some doubt.
However, after edging out Michael Smith by a 10-8 scoreline in the semi-finals, Van Gerwen averaged 105.43 to record a 11-5 victory over Gerwyn Price in the final.
The Dutchman majestically took out 158 and 170 en route to opening up a commanding lead and although Price hit his own 161 in reply, Van Gerwen was a deserved winner, adding to his long list of major titles.
SEVENTH HEAVEN FOR MvG! 🏆
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) May 25, 2023
It's a record breaking SEVENTH Premier League title for Michael van Gerwen who defeats Gerwyn Price 11-5 in a marvellous final and after 17 weeks, it's MvG who reigns in the capital!
📺 https://t.co/kx9ccUMQvU | #PLDarts | Final pic.twitter.com/9zAMborkGn
In the first semi-final, Price made light work of Clayton, storming to a 10-2 victory and recording a 107.54 average in the process.
Price was 5-0 ahead of his Welsh compatriot before he got on the board, and a comprehensive win was sealed with a 131 checkout.
The second last-four showdown proved to be a far more competitive affair, even if it took Smith rallying from 7-3 adrift and Van Gerwen missing a number of match doubles.
Smith capitalised on the wasted opportunities of his opponent by finishing 91 and 123 on the bull, but Van Gerwen played a terrific 18th leg, holding throw in 15 darts after Smith had left 32 after 12.
Darren Plant
