Michael van Gerwen can secure top spot in the Premier League with two wins on Thursday
Saturday 28 April 2018 13:21, UK
Michael van Gerwen has his sights set on securing top spot in Premier League Darts when he plays twice in Manchester on Thursday.
The world No 1 suffered a pair of defeats during last week's double-header in Rotterdam, losing to Peter Wright on Wednesday before falling to Raymond van Barneveld in Thursday's meeting of Dutch legends.
Van Gerwen has the ideal chance to bounce back at the Manchester Arena as he is one of two players who will take to the oche twice - against Daryl Gurney in the second match of the night before taking on Michael Smith in the final game on stage.
The Dutchman, a three-time Premier League champion, still sits top of the table thanks to his remarkable leg difference, and maximum points in Manchester will secure his place at The O2 and a sixth successive season atop the regular standings.
Live Premier League Darts
"Last week in Rotterdam was really disappointing but that's gone now and this tournament isn't about one or two nights but the whole season," said Van Gerwen, who posted averages of 106 and 103 in his two defeats.
"I've got two matches in Manchester and I'm determined to win them both. I want to finish top of the table and I'm going to do everything I can to achieve that.
"Daryl and Michael are playing really well so I know what I've got to do on Thursday."
Should MVG slip up, it will open the door for a surging Gary Anderson and the ever-consistent world champion Rob Cross to steal top spot.
On what could prove to be a pivotal night in Manchester, the other member of the current top four knows a good showing could make things difficult for the chasing pack.
Smith has a three-point advantage over fifth-placed Gurney and four over Barney, and like Van Gerwen a pair of wins will put him in a great position to make Finals Night at The O2 in three weeks' time.
Bully Boy, who was eliminated at the first stage after one win in his debut campaign a couple of years ago, opens the night against Peter Wright before returning to face Van Gerwen.
"It should be fun in Manchester," said Smith. "I hope I can make the Play-Offs but there's a fine line between arrogance and confidence and I don't know which way to step on it just now.
"I'll just take every match that I play and focus on it 100% and I just want to concentrate on each game and getting points on the board."
The 2018 Premier League will be back for more action on Thursday as we head to the Manchester Arena for week 13. Coverage gets underway from 7pm on Sky Sports Action & Sky Sports Main Event. Two weeks of tungsten action will then continue in Birmingham and Aberdeen through to the season's conclusion with the Play-Offs on May 17 at The O2 in London.
Keep up to date with the latest darts news, previews, reports, reaction and expert analysis. Get all the latest at www.skysports.com/darts and join in the conversation @SkySportsDarts- don't forget to use #LoveTheDarts
Never miss the big kick-off or have to deal with interrupted games or low-quality streams with a NOW TV Sky Sports Pass. You'll get exclusive coverage of the Premier League, Sky Bet EFL, EFL Cup and loads more starting from just £7.99. No contract.
