Gary Anderson was in dreamland after his first major title, while Adrian Lewis admitted it was another "learning curve" for him.
Anderson flying high, learning curve for Lewis in Premier League
Gary Anderson was in dreamland after winning his first PDC TV title, while Adrian Lewis admitted it was another learning curve for him after falling flat following his victory over Phil Taylor.
World champion Lewis produced a fine display to dump defending Premier League champion Taylor out in convincing fashion in the first semi-final of the night.
'Jackpot' stuck in six 180s and averaged over 104 in his 8-3 demolition of his old mentor, while Anderson beat Raymond van Barneveld to set-up a rematch of the World Championship final in January.
Lewis failed to return to the stage anywhere near the form of the semi-final though, as his average plummeted down to just under 86 as he was thrashed 10-4, which could have been worse as he trailed 9-1 at one stage.
Lewis admitted that he came to the final expecting to win, and failed to find as much focus as he did when he marched up on the stage to beat Taylor earlier in the night at Wembley.
"I'm disappointed after beating Phil to go up there and lose it like that, because he was the best player in the tournament," said Lewis.
"I knew I still had to play Gary or Raymond but I didn't get myself as psyched up as I did for Phil.
Learning curve
"That's another learning curve for me, and I'll stay confident, prepare for Bolton and try to win the UK Open now.
"Winning the World Championship and then finishing runner-up in the Premier League is a not a bad start to the year for me, especially with the UK Open and World Matchplay to come.
"I started too slowly in the final and Gary got off to a good start. I was awful in the final but fair play to him, he did a job."
Flying Scotsman Anderson was thrilled to win his first major title, as he finally produced the goods on the big stage and made the most of the obvious talent he holds in abundance.
Anderson is second to none in terms of heavy scoring, and his 11 180 maximums at Wembley took his tally to 79 for the Premier League tournament.
It is the title Anderson wanted, though, and this could now be a springboard to bigger and better things for the talented Scotsman.
Wonderful
"This is a wonderful feeling," said Anderson. "I came across to the PDC two years ago with nothing, and now I've picked up one of the biggest titles in the game.
"I've had an amazing three months in the tournament and I'll have a good rest now, but I'm delighted. I was great for the first eight legs but slipped off a little towards the end and for a while I thought the double ten might never come!
"The trebles went well but my doubles can still be improved on - although I have the trophy and that's all that matters.
"It's been a hard 15 weeks and I was pleased to reach the last four, with the players who have been in this tournament, but I pipped Barney and have done Adrian.
"The semi-final helped me and playing a couple of games on the night suits my game. I don't always practice as much as the other players, but to walk away with the 888.com Premier League Darts title is a proud moment."
