Friday 17 April 2015 00:49, UK
Michael van Gerwen suffered his first defeat in the 2015 Premier League as Raymond van Barneveld continued his recent resurgence with a 7-3 win.
The 25-year-old world No 1 produced a subdued display against his fellow Dutchman, who ruined the league leader's unbeaten record with a decisive 11-dart leg in Aberdeen.
But van Gerwen still holds a one-point lead at the top of the table after second-placed Dave Chisnall slipped to a 7-3 defeat against Phil Taylor.
An early break allowed van Barneveld to surge into a 2-0 lead, prompting an immediate response from ‘Mighty Mike’, who drew level at 3-3 after a sizzling 121 checkout.
This proved a fleeting highlight for van Gerwen as he could not match his compatriot’s ice-cool finishing.
Barney secured another break with a 14-darter, opening up a 5-3 lead, and he rattled off the next two legs to boost his hopes of a top four finish.
In the opening match, Chisnall could not withstand a fired-up Taylor, despite checkouts of 128 and 140.
The Stoke thrower seemed to have discovered his ruthless instinct as he punished any stray darts in a commanding victory.
Adrian Lewis kept pace with his nearest rivals after inflicting a 7-2 defeat on the out-of-sorts Stephen Bunting.
After saving himself on Judgement Night, 'Jackpot' has stayed on the rise and his 50 per cent success rate on the doubles was far too good for Bunting.
Home favourite Gary Anderson staged a thrilling comeback to salvage a 6-6 draw with James Wade, cementing third place in the standings.
The Aldershot man appeared to be cruising to victory when he opened up a 6-2 advantage with a stunning 170 checkout.
But Anderson took the next four legs in a row, aided by some nervy darts from Wade, and sought out double 20 to snatch a point.
In a scrappy closing encounter, Taylor was left to curse his woeful finishing after he gifted Bunting a 6-6 draw.
Taylor's accuracy deserted him at a crucial time and 'The Bullet' battled back from a 5-2 deficit to pinch a vital point.
Premier League Night 11 results:
Dave Chisnall 3-7 Phil Taylor
Stephen Bunting 2-7 Adrian Lewis
James Wade 6-6 Gary Anderson
Raymond van Barneveld 7-3 Michael van Gerwen
Stephen Bunting 6-6 Phil Taylor
