Michael van Gerwen beats Phil Taylor to become Premier League champion

MICHAEL VAN GERWEN ‘beat up’ Phil Taylor last night to become the Betway Premier League champion.

‘Mighty Mike’ mugged the grandfather Taylor with an 11-3 win at the O2 in London.

3

3

And in the same arena that Anthony Joshua has won six of his 16 heavyweight fights, MVG delivered several blows before forcing the 14th-leg stoppage.

The Power, 55, said: “Michael beat me up there and put me under enormous pressure.

“He is like Joshua with his combinations — bish, bash, bosh!” MVG, 27, said: “I wanted to win this trophy back and I’m glad I did.

“I’m so proud as I lost one match all year — on the first night.”

After 15 long weeks, MVG was ruthless, racing into a 7-3 lead.

He hit notable 121 and 100 checkouts and grabbed a £200,000 winners’ cheque with a double-four finish.

3

This was the world No1’s second Premier League title and he also earned a £25,000 bonus for winning the league format. Taylor, 55, picked up £100,000.

The Power, 55, said: “Michael beat me up there and put me under enormous pressure.

“He is like Joshua with his combinations — bish, bash, bosh!” MVG, 27, said: “I wanted to win this trophy back and I’m glad I did.

“I’m so proud as I lost one match all year — on the first night.”

After 15 long weeks, MVG was ruthless, racing into a 7-3 lead.

He hit notable 121 and 100 checkouts and grabbed a £200,000 winners’ cheque with a double-four finish.

Adrian Lewis had landed a nine-dart finish during the league season in Belfast, but saw his bid to claim the Premier League title for a first time derailed by van Gerwen in the last four.

He said: “It was one of those nights for me. I felt like I threw good darts but they were landing just on the wrong sides of the wires, but Michael was the better man and deserved to win.

“I’m proud to have reached the Play-Offs in such a competitive field, but I know I’ve got more to give in the coming months and I’ll get back on the practice board.”