Premier League darts: Michael van Gerwen tries to extend his lead at the top at Liverpool | Darts News

Michael van Gerwen is searching for three straight Premier League wins on Thursday; Liverpool’s M&S Financial institution Area hosts the sixth night time of 17 particular person venues on Thursday, with the Play-Offs returning to London’s O2 on Thursday Could 25

Michael van Gerwen is focusing on a 3rd straight Premier League night time win on Thursday as the game’s greatest roadshow unfolds in Liverpool for Night time Six.

Defending champion Van Gerwen picked up back-to-back wins at Dublin and Exeter to determine a six-point cushion on the prime of the desk, and is eager to increase his lead at M&S ​​Financial institution Area.

Van Gerwen beat 2021 champion Jonny Clayton in Exeter’s Night time 5 closing final week, and the pair will renew their rivalry on Merseyside, within the second quarter-final conflict of the night.

The Dutchman has made a powerful begin to 2023 however comes into Thursday’s recreation after his decisive loss to Andrew Gilding in a spectacular UK Open closing on Sunday.

“I am right here to win tournaments and when you do not it is disappointing,” mentioned Van Gerwen, who missed a double 16 match dart for the title at Minehead.

“It was painful for me. It damage. Everybody is aware of I need to win, however I am going to take it on the chin.

“I am targeted on Thursday now. I am six factors clear. The need to win is there, and when you could have confidence within the Premier League, that is large.

“I need to be on the prime of the desk, so the stress is on each week and it’s a must to carry out.”

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Talking on Love The Darts, Laura Turner opened up about a number of the obstacles she confronted on her journey to changing into a darts participant.

Thursday’s quarter-final motion will start with night time two winner Gerwyn Value taking over Peter Wright, who’s determined to open his Premier League account after a five-game shedding streak.

Value slipped to fourth within the desk after succumbing to Van Gerwen at Exeter final week, whereas 2017 runner-up Wright was denied by Clayton in a nerve-wracking shoot-out at Westpoint.

“I am unable to wait to play in opposition to Gezzy,” mentioned Wright, who despatched Value to win the Nordic Darts Masters title in January.

“Even when I had gained the night time at Exeter I’d nonetheless have been down however I’ve loads of time to show issues round.

“I am removed from my greatest, however within the final two weeks I’ve misplaced each video games 6-5, so I am getting nearer!”

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Michael van Gerwen was delighted to beat the chilly situations to win the Premier League night time 5 at Exeter and lengthen his lead on the prime of the desk.

In the meantime, Nathan Aspinall will look to cement his place within the prime 4 when he takes on Night time One winner Chris Dobey for a spot in Thursday’s semi-finals.

Masters champion Dobey hasn’t tasted victory since his Night time One heroics in Belfast, though he might be hoping to finish his winless run in opposition to third-placed Aspinall.

“I am proud of the state of my recreation. I am not going to kick my ass after I’m down,” mentioned Dobey, who averaged 104 in opposition to Dimitri Van den Bergh on Night time 5.

“I will hold working and hopefully the outcomes will prove in my favor as a result of I believe I am enjoying fairly properly.

“I like the Premier League. It is an entire new expertise for me to play in large venues, and I simply hope to bounce again and get a number of wins beneath my belt.

“I consider in my very own skills and I really feel I’ve the facility to get again to the highest positions.”

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Van Gerwen defeated Jonny Clayton within the Night time 5 Finals

Thursday’s different quarter-final bout will pit world champion Michael Smith in opposition to Van den Bergh, in a repeat of Glasgow’s night time three showpiece, which noticed Smith common 109 en path to glory.

Nevertheless, Van den Bergh continued his spectacular begin to the marketing campaign with a run to the UK Open semi-finals final weekend, and the Belgian heads to Liverpool in good spirits.

“Michael Smith is the present world champion – he is the most effective on the earth,” mentioned Van den Bergh, who is 2 factors behind Smith in fifth place.

“We’re speaking in regards to the Premier League although – there aren’t any unhealthy gamers concerned!

“What Michael completed final 12 months was unimaginable. I’ve a lot respect for what he did and he set an instance for all of us.

“If Michael can do it, why cannot I? For those who’re affected person and work exhausting, your desires can come true too.”