Michael van Gerwen lifted yet another trophy at the weekend, this time regaining the Gibraltar Darts Trophy. Beating a resurgent Adrian Lewis, the imperious Dutchman posted a 8-3 victory over the lesser spotted ‘Jackpot’ to give him his thirteenth title of 2018, a roll call that includes the Darts Masters, Premier League and the World Cup of Darts.
His tournament average was 104 — the best in the field — while during the final, a 108 average was enough to put an end to Lewis’ hopes of a much-needed victory. The twice former World Champion’s run to the final was the deepest he has gone in a European Tour event since winning the 2012 German Darts Masters and included some pretty tough fixtures.
He beat Gibraltar’s Clayton Otton 6-0 in Friday’s first round before seeing off Mensur Suljovic, James Wade and Peter Wright on his way to the latter stages of the competition where he beat Paul Nicholson to reach the final, his third final that goes towards yearly rankings. Interestingly, his improved form is being reflected in his odds of winning the World Championship for the third time. The Stoke-born chucker can now be backed at online bookmakers Betway for 50/1.
Betway’s evens favourite for the World championship, Mighty Mike, had it far easier, or maybe he just made it look that way. He made it to the final courtesy of wins against Vincent van der Voort, Andy Boulton, Jonny Clayton and Steve West.
Michael Smith, himself an Ally Pally 28/1 shot, was the defending champion in Gibraltar but the Premier League runner-up was beaten by Jermaine Wattimena as early as the second round. World Champion Rob Cross –- 9/2 to regain his own crown — continues his search for a first title of the year after a 6-5 quarter-final elimination at the hands of Steve West.