Friday 22 May 2015 06:13, UK
Wayne Mardle felt Gary Anderson's Premier League victory against Michael van Gerwen was richly deserved and says he is the man to beat for the rest of the season.
World champion Anderson squeezed into the final with a thrilling 10-9 victory over Dave Chisnall before derailing world No 1 Van Gerwen in Thursday's final at the O2 in London.
The Borders thrower went on to collect his second Premier League crown after lifting that maiden major PDC title in 2011.
Four-time Premier League participant Mardle told Sky Sports 1: "He was fortunate to beat Dave Chisnall in the semi-final but the final was a completely different story.
"He started off poorly again. Michael didn't punish him bad enough early doors. He was two-nil up and couldn't get away from Gary who turned on the afterburners.
"It was one of the best performances I've seen from Gary for a load of reasons. He was under pressure and withstood it. He was kind of expected to reach the final and withstood all the pressure Chizzy threw at him.
"That was a brilliant performance and also beating Van Gerwen in the final - that meant a lot to Gary."
Thrilling climax
Mardle also praised a thrilling climax to what has been a topsy-turvy Premier League season which has thrown up quite a few surprises over 16 weeks of action.
"It was thrilling from start to finish," he said. "We've seen (Raymond van Barneveld) miss double 12 for a nine-darter. We've seen Kim Huybrechts do it early on in the tournament.
"Gary Anderson winning it again for a second time. Chisnall was a revelation. Phil Taylor not making the play-offs - there's so many talking points.
"The main one has to be Gary Anderson wins again and cements his spot as one of the two or three that are going to win loads more this year. Couldn't be any better for Gary Anderson right now."
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