Thursday night brings another entertaining evening of professional darts, as the world’s best go head to head at the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Berlin for night nine of the Cazoo Premier League.
Things could get interesting at the top of the table heading into this round of fixtures in Germany. Michael van Gerwen currently holds top spot after winning three of the nights so far, but Gerwyn Price is hot on his tail, landing the last two consecutive rounds.
Point to prove.
Price is currently playing some of his best darts, but we know by now that the fiery Welshman can easily lose his head, and a match as a result. He needs to keep the composure he showed recently to storm to a 6-1 win over van Gerwen in game week eight if he’s to have a chance here.
The number four ranked player in the world constantly plays as if he has a point to prove and that’s clearly how he motivates himself. It’s been working for him of late and another victory in Berlin on Thursday night could see him narrow the gap on his Dutch counterpart at the head of the Premier League table.
Consistency.
Since gameweek four, Michael van Gerwen has been a picture of consistency. In the four game weeks up to this point, the Dutchman has either won or at least gotten to the semi-finals of every one. That’s seen him open up a healthy gap at the top of the table to 25 points, with Gerwyn Price in second on 17 points.
If Mighty Mike is on song in the German capital come Thursday, it’s his night to lose. Van Gerwen tops all of the key stats so far this Premier League season including boasting the best tournament average, the most 180s and 180s per leg, the best doubles and checkout percentage and the most 100+ checkouts.
Dark horse.
It’s not all about MVG and Gerwyn Price, however. There are six other world class darts players who are more than capable of winning this week’s event. Chief among those dark horses at the moment is probably the current world champion Michael Smith.
The rising star has what it takes to beat anyone on his day and has reached the final of two Premier League nights so far this season. He won the first of those, but lost the second to MVG. Bully Boy will know he’s capable of more than he’s shown so far and will be keen to live up to his number one ranking.
Up for grabs.
With Gerwyn Price in excellent form, Michael van Gerwen consistently putting himself in point scoring positions and Michael Smith threatening to spoil the party, it’s safe to say it’s up for grabs this Thursday night. Who knows, we may even get a surprise winner in Berlin.
All that’s left to do now is to tune in, sit back, and enjoy some of the most entertaining darts match ups that the sport has to offer.
