Michael van Gerwen is almost certain of participating in the play-offs of the Premier League Darts. The three-time world champion convincingly beat Peter Wright on Thursday in his opening match of the fourteenth round in Sheffield.
33-year-old Van Gerwen allowed Wright only one leg: 6-1. De Brabander recorded an average of 103.18 per three arrows, while the Schot did not get further than an average of 90.93.
Due to his victory over Wright, Van Gerwen can hardly be overtaken by number five Joe Cullen in the standings. The best four darts players after sixteen rounds qualify for the play-offs on June 13 in Berlin.
In the semi-final in Sheffield, Van Gerwen will face Michael Smith, who beat Jonny Clayton 6-5. With a win in that match, the Dutchman is completely sure of participating in the play-offs.
James Wade withdrew from the round of matches in Sheffield on Wednesday. The Englishman was admitted to a German hospital last weekend because he suffered from nausea, heart rhythm disorders, high blood pressure and dizziness at the European Darts Open in Leverkusen.
With Wade’s cancellation, Joe Cullen had a free passage to the semi-finals in Sheffield. In it he meets Gerwyn Price, who was 6-4 too strong for Gary Anderson.
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