The St Helen’s duo of Michael Smith and Dave Chisnall were eliminated from the 2016 Premier League on Judgement Night, whilst Raymond van Barneveld and Michael van Gerwen shared the spoils in a thrilling encounter at Cardiff’s Motorpoint Arena on Thursday evening.

Van Gerwen averaged 105.59 as he fought back from 6-3 down to claim a point against Van Barneveld, who averaged 101.69 himself. MvG claimed the opening leg of the contest with a terrific 86 checkout, but Raymond responded magnificently, levelling up on D6, before posting legs of 13, 12 and 15 to establish a commanding 4-1 cushion.

‘The Green Machine’ reduced the arrears to 4-2 with a convincing 14-darter, but Barney regained his three-leg cushion with an accomplished 13-darter. The world number one then produced his best leg of the match, with successive visits of 180 and 171 en route to an 11-darter, but Van Barneveld guaranteed a point in the ninth leg by pinning D4.

The five-time world champion left himself on 80 after 12 darts on Van Gerwen’s throw as he aimed to close in on victory, but Michael remained in contention with a nerveless 68 finish. In the eleventh leg, Raymond recorded scores of 140 followed by 139 to leave 62 after 12 darts, but the Den Haag ace wired one dart at D16 for the two points.

Continue reading “Barney & Van Gerwen share the spoils, as Smith & Chisnall are eliminated!” →