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Ups And Downs In Darts' Top Flight

Ups And Downs In Darts' Top Flight

Reigning champion Raymond van Barneveld avoided elimination on Judgement Night as Peter Wright and Kim Huybrechts bowed out of the Premier League.

After starting the evening above the drop-zone, Wright was left in peril following a 7-4 defeat by Adrian Lewis, and slipped into the bottom two after van Barneveld claimed a draw with Gary Anderson in the final match.

Huybrechts needed a win, along with a big swing in leg difference, and his faint hopes were extinguished by a 6-6 draw with Stephen Bunting.

Earlier in the night, Michael van Gerwen had claimed a 7-4 win over James Wade to open up a three-point lead at the top of the table.

'Mighty Mike' maintained a comfortable advantage, despite a superb 132 checkout from Wade, and remains unbeaten this season.

But Phil Taylor's inconsistent form continued as he slumped to a 7-4 defeat against Dave Chisnall, who moved up to second place.

'The Power' appeared on course for two points when he opened up a 4-2 advantage, but his wayward finishing allowed 'Chizzy' to stage a fightback, sealing victory with double 10.

The survival battles then started, with Bunting needing just two legs from his match against Huybrechts to secure his spot in the second half of the season.

This straightforward feat appeared far more challenging as 'The Hurricane' powered into a 3-0 lead, but back came Bunting and he snatched the crucial pair.

With his status intact, the St Helens man closed the gap on Huybrechts and ended his unlikely escape by taking a 6-6 draw.

One elimination spot was still to be decided and Lewis could not afford a defeat against Wright, who was also looking anxiously over his shoulder.

Neither man could find a break, until 'Jackpot' forged ahead 5-3 with an 88-finish, but 'Snakebite' produced a classy 170 checkout to reduce the arrears.

Lewis refused to let Wright snatch a reprieve and pushed him closer to the trap door after sealing victory with double 20.

This result meant that Van Barneveld needed just a draw from his final match with Anderson and the veteran boosted his survival bid with a 122 checkout.

Barney then took out tops to clinch a point, keeping him in the competition, and not even a late levelling leg from Anderson could spoil his night.

Premier League Judgement Night results:

Michael van Gerwen 7-4 James Wade

Dave Chisnall 4-4 Phil Taylor

Stephen Bunting 6-6 Kim Huybrechts

Adrian Lewis 7-4 Peter Wright

Gary Anderson 6-6 Raymond van Barneveld