Betway – Darts Premier League – Week 18 – 18th May 2017
The stakes couldn’t be higher this Thursday at the O2 Arena, London, as the Betway Darts Premier League Week 18 takes place this evening. The Premier League trophy will be hoisted into the air in front of a packed crowd of drunken darts fans, but who will grasp the two handles in glory?
Michael ‘Mighty Mike’ van Gerwen
Michael van Gerwen, the current holder of the Premier League trophy and the World number one, has had a routine season so far. ‘Mighty Mike’ finished first in the overall standings; having showcased his rather breath-taking ability time and again throughout Week 1 to 15. The Dutchman is bookmakers favourite to retain his title, an unsurprising choice. However, MvG will have his work cut-out with some tough opposition on Thursday night.
Skybet Outright Winner – Michael van Gerwen – 1/2
Michael van Gerwen and Gary Anderson battle it out for a place in the final Photo Credit: skysports.com
Gary ‘Flying Scotsman’ Anderson
Oh Gary Gary… Isn’t it time you beat Michael van Gerwen in a major televised event? Gary Anderson will meet Michael van Gerwen in the semi-finals, where he faces yet another tough test against ‘Mighty Mike’. Since the beginning of 2016, Anderson has beaten van Gerwen three times; Dubai Masters 2016, Japan Masters 2016 and 2017 PDA Players Championship in Wigan. The Scotsman has endured an awkward Premier League campaign; drawing three of his first five matches. However, the World number two has rejuvenated his form on the doubles and is entering the finals night in fine form. The bookmakers have Anderson as third favourite, due to the fact he faces a gruelling grudge in the semi-final.
Skybet Outright Winner – Gary Anderson – 11/2
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Peter ‘Snakebite’ Wright
Peter Wright has been the surprise performer on the PDC circuit this year. The Scotsman has already claimed his first televised title, winning the UK Open and has continued his splendid form in the Premier League, imposing a prodigious threat on van Gerwen for the top spot in the table. ‘Snakebite’ is the bookmakers second favourite to win the trophy and is predicted by many to meet MvG in the final. It’s very possible Wright could continue his dominant siege of the PDC Circuit and by beheading the Dutch king on finals night would be a gargantuan message to the darting world.
Skybet Outright Winner – Peter Wright – 4/1
Peter Wright and Phil Taylor clash tonight as Taylor looks to win his last league title Photo Credit: skysports.com
Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor
Phil Taylor is the undisputed king of darts. The Englishman has won 16 World Championships, 15 World Matchplays, 11 World Grand Prix, 6 Premier Leagues, 5 UK Opens and many more major accolades. He is known as the greatest to ever play darts; as the crowd do proclaim: “There’s only one Phil Taylor”. ‘The Power’ stated in early January that he is aiming to retire at the end of 2017, meaning Thursday night is his last shot at winning the Premier League trophy once more. He is sure to have the crowd on his side, who will all be wanting Taylor to relive his astonishing career by lifting one more Premier League trophy. Taylor is the bookmakers fourth favourite to win the trophy. However, Taylor is worth a longshot as he has beaten Michael van Gerwen and Adrian Lewis in his last two Premier League matches. Is the script written for a magical and unforgettable night for Phil Taylor?
Skybet Outright Winner – Phil Taylor – 11/1
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Fixture List:
Semi Final 1 – Michael van Gerwen vs Gary Anderson
Skybet Match Winner – Michael van Gerwen – 2/7
Skybet Total 180’s – Over 11.5 180’s – 4/5
A nine-dart finish is never out of the question when these two face, they couldn’t could they? – Skybet 9 Dart Finish? – Yes – 11/1
Semi Final 2 – Peter Wright vs Phil Taylor
Skybet Match Winner – Peter Wright – 8/15
Skybet Total Legs – Over 16.5 Legs – 10/11
Skybet Total Peter Wright 180’s – Over 5.5 – Evens
