Darts Premier League report: Sparks fly in Gerwen Derby

Mighty Michael van Gerwen and Gerwyn Price had verbals on stage after the Dutchman was almost hit by a dart in Liverpool. The Welshman missed his rival by inches after starting to throw when MVG was still leaving the board in their Unibet Premier League clash last night. Then Price initially refused to acknowledge his rival just seconds after the Dutchman had edged a 7-5 thriller.

On the near miss with a dart, Van Gerwen said: “He did it twice. I told him that but maybe he is trying to get his rhythm going. Normally he’s not like that. I don’t take it personally, he’s a nice guy normally. But in a tense game like that things can happen.”

“It was a tough game with a lot of power scoring. Gerwyn is a phenomenal player and he gave it everything. His 157 finish really hurt me. I couldn’t get on top of him so it was quite difficult.”

It’s become the big rivalry of the oche as these two slugged it out. Price lit the fuse with an epic 157 finish to go 4-3 up and looked set to rock the World No.1 when he went 5-4 in front. But Van Gerwen then came roaring back to win three successive legs to break The Iceman once again.

Glen Durrant beat Daryl Gurney 7-5 to stay top of the Premier League but admits he’s desperate that the sport keeps going.

He said: “I’m praying it goes ahead at Newcastle. There’s a Teesside army there and to play the World Champion there is a massive thing.”

“It’s been a tough few days for a dart player, we’ve not been sure what’s going on. But the PDC are doing what they do best and making the right decisions. I was devastated when Rotterdam was called off when I was due to play Michael van Gerwen in that sea of orange. But the right decisions have to be made.”

Peter Wright admits he was concerned about playing during the Coronavirus crisis. The Scottish star was in sensational form to dump Michael Smith 7-4 in front of 6,500 fans at the M&S Arena. But Snakebite revealed he was worried in the lead up to the clash after the PDC postponed the two nights in Rotterdam later this month due the Coronavirus crisis.

He said: “I think it’s very important everyone stays safe. I’m a dad and family man and it’s natural to be worried about this.”

“Obviously we don’t know whether anyone in the crowd tonight has returned from Italy or has the virus. It was really sad we couldn’t do the normal walk-on with handshakes, high-fives or fist pumps. That interaction with the fans is part of the sport.”

“But it’s just vital that we can come through this and they can find a cure.”

Wright, who turned 50 this week, celebrated in style with his third win in four weeks to soar up the table. He added: “I think it’s a really level league this year, maybe the best ever. I think anyone can win it at this stage.

“I’ve been very up and down so far but I know I can play better and I will. I thought I had let Michael back in at one stage. I then said to myself no way I’m going to let that happen.”