Michael van Gerwen, Raymond van Barneveld close in on Premier League playoffs

Michael van Gerwen has all but secured his place in the Premier League playoffs after he recorded a 7-4 win over Dave Chisnall in Manchester on Thursday evening.

The reigning PDC world champion lost to Phil Taylor seven days ago, but the Dutchman responded by winning the final three legs to dent his opponent's hopes of making the top four.

Compatriot Raymond van Barneveld should join Van Gerwen in the playoffs after he defeated Adrian Lewis by a 7-3 scoreline with an average of 104.19.

Taylor and Gary Anderson played out a 6-6 draw, but not before both players had bust scores of 129 and 169 respectively earlier in the contest.

Anderson returned at the end of the night to share the spoils with Robert Thornton, who had previously fallen to a 7-5 loss to Peter Wright, who holds on to his third position in the standings.