RvB Beats MvG In Prem League Darts Thriller

Michael van Gerwen suffered his first defeat in the 2015 Premier League as Raymond van Barneveld continued his recent resurgence with a 7-3 win.

The 25-year-old world No 1 produced a subdued display against his fellow Dutchman, who ruined the league leader's unbeaten record with a decisive 11-dart leg in Aberdeen.

But van Gerwen still holds a one-point lead at the top of the table after second-placed Dave Chisnall slipped to a 7-3 defeat against Phil Taylor.

An early break allowed van Barneveld to surge into a 2-0 lead, prompting an immediate response from ‘Mighty Mike’, who drew level at 3-3 after a sizzling 121 checkout.

This proved a fleeting highlight for van Gerwen as he could not match his compatriot’s ice-cool finishing.

Barney secured another break with a 14-darter, opening up a 5-3 lead, and he rattled off the next two legs to boost his hopes of a top four finish.

In the opening match, Chisnall could not withstand a fired-up Taylor, despite checkouts of 128 and 140.

The Stoke thrower seemed to have discovered his ruthless instinct as he punished any stray darts in a commanding victory.

Adrian Lewis kept pace with his nearest rivals after inflicting a 7-2 defeat on the out-of-sorts Stephen Bunting.

After saving himself on Judgement Night, 'Jackpot' has stayed on the rise and his 50% success rate on the doubles was far too good for Bunting.

Home favourite Gary Anderson staged a thrilling comeback to salvage a 6-6 draw with James Wade, cementing third place in the standings.

The Aldershot man appeared to be cruising to victory when he opened up a 6-2 advantage with a stunning 170 checkout.

But Anderson took the next four legs in a row, aided by some nervy darts from Wade, and sought out double 20 to snatch a point.

In a scrappy closing encounter, Taylor was left to curse his woeful finishing after he gifted Bunting a 6-6 draw.

Taylor's accuracy deserted him at a crucial time and 'The Bullet' battled back from a 5-2 deficit to pinch a vital point.

Premier League Night 11 results:

Dave Chisnall 3-7 Phil Taylor

Stephen Bunting 2-7 Adrian Lewis

James Wade 6-6 Gary Anderson

Raymond van Barneveld 7-3 Michael van Gerwen

Stephen Bunting 6-6 Phil Taylor