Darts
ESPN staff 8y

Michael Van Gerwen leaves Phil Taylor punch-drunk in Premier League final

Michael van Gerwen claimed his second Premier League title at London's O2 Arena with an 11-3 demolition of Phil Taylor.

World No.1 Van Gerwen took the £200,000 winner's cheque and a second trophy to go with the one his claimed in 2013 after a surprisingly one-sided final against 16-time world champion Taylor.

The Dutchman also pocketed a £25,000 bonus for topping the league table after the 16-game regular season and he was at his best in London, taking five straight legs to fight back from 2-1 down to lead 6-2. From there, it was procession to the finish line for the 27-year-old.

"I was just glad I did the right thing at the right moment today," Van Gerwen said on Sky Sports. "We all weren't at our best today, you could see it's the end of the Premier League and people are getting tired. I'm glad I was the best tonight.

"I'm very proud because I only lost one game in this Premier League, against James Wade on the first night. This feels fantastic for me. I'm over the Moon."

The 55-year-old Taylor had no answers to the younger man's high-scoring game and even compared his rival's ability to finish a game to that of British heavyweight sensation Anthony Joshua's knockout power.

"I'm very proud to have made the final," Taylor said. "[Van Gerwen] put me under pressure and made me miss doubles. He's doing phenomenal things, I don't know how he does it.

"I really tried to give my best and to relax, but I just couldn't react against him. His scoring is good, but his finishing is phenomenal and that's where it hurts you. He's an Anthony Joshua, that's what he is at the minute."

In the semifinals earlier on Thursday evening, Van Gerwen saw off the challenge of Adrian Lewis 10-4, while Taylor defeated Gary Anderson 10-7.

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