MICHAEL VAN GERWEN left Phil Taylor in no doubt over who was world number one as the Premier League got under way on Thursday.
The Dutchman was in ruthless form as he subjected the 16-time world champion to a 7-0 whitewash at the Echo Arena in Liverpool.
Van Gerwen, who claimed the world title in January, won the first leg against the darts as Taylor struggled to adapt to a new set of arrows.
The reigning Premier League champion took out 121 on the bull for the second, before Taylor missed two opportunities to hit double 12 at 3-0 down, opening the door for Van Gerwen to go four up.
Legs five and six put Taylor on the brink of a humiliating defeat, and further missed opportunities in the final leg saw ‘the Power’ subjected to his first Premier League whitewash, as Van Gerwen recorded an average of 109.59.
“Phil didn’t play his top game, but I played really well and finished everything,” said Van Gerwen, a firm fans’ favourite wherever he plays due to his energy at the oche.
“I can’t remember anyone beating Phil 7-0 before, but he’ll be back.”
YouTube credit: DartLoupeTV
