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Van Gerwen scoops fantastic fifth World Grand Prix title

Van Gerwen and Chisnall set up World Grand Prix final in commanding fashion

livedartsstaff in PDC Darts News 02 Dec 2019
Chisnall celebrates a dominant display (credit:Lawrence Lustig/PDC)
Michael van Gerwen and Dave Chisnall will collide in the 2019 World Grand Prix final following one-sided Semi-Final victories over Chris Dobey and Glen Durrant in Dublin on Friday.
 
Reigning champion Van Gerwen remains on course to retain the title for the first time following his imperious defeat of Dobey at the Citywest Convention Centre.
 
The world number one punished three missed finishing doubles from Dobey in the opening leg, and asserted his dominance by taking the opening set 3-1.
 
Dobey – appearing in his first televised semi-final – hit back strongly to lead 2-0 in the second with legs of 13 and 14 darts, only to see Van Gerwen take the next two to level before a 156 checkout sealed the set for the Dutchman.
 
Van Gerwen also came from 1-0 and 2-1 behind to win the third set, hitting a 13-darter in the deciding leg, as he charged towards a victory which was sealed in ruthless fashion as he took the fourth set without reply.
 
“It feels phenomenal to be in the final,” said Van Gerwen. “I love this tournament and it’s a great feeling when you play well and reach the final.
 
“Chris has done so well this week but I kept him under pressure. He had nothing to lose and has got a lot of talent, but it was difficult for him tonight.
 
“I think I did the right things at the right moments, like the 156 to win the second set. It wasn’t as easy as the score would say and I can improve, so I have to prepare myself right for the final.”
 
Chisnall, meanwhile, won through to his second World Grand Prix final at with a 4-1 defeat of Durrant, as he bids to erase the memory of a 6-0 whitewash to Phil Taylor in the 2013 showpiece.
 
The world number 11 was flawless in his finishing as he took the first set without reply, before Durrant took out 154 and 87 as he levelled in the same manner in set two.
 
Chisnall, though, landed the maximum 170 checkout as he came from a leg down to win the third set in a deciding leg, and the fourth went also all the way.
 
Durrant led 2-1 before Chisnall took out a 140 finish and then punished the Lakeside Champion’s miss at tops for the set in the deciding leg to open up a 3-1 lead in the match.
 
Chisnall moved to the brink of victory at 2-0 in set five, with Durrant then finishing 112 to save the game before landing double ten to level the set, only to see his rival take the deciding leg on top to seal the win.
 
“I enjoyed it and I’m over the moon to be in the final,” said Chisnall. “Glen’s such a good player and he made it tough for me. He’s a three-time World Champion and he never gave up.
 
“I scored well but my starting wasn’t brilliant and I struggled to hit tops tonight. Double 18 saved me a few times too and the 170 was special, but the fourth set was the crucial one.
 
“It was nip and tuck and Glen could have won that fourth set, so the 25 I took out was massive. I’m very happy to be through but I want to play better in the final.
 
“I was poor in the 2013 final and I only won two legs, but that’s gone now and I want to win the title this time.”
 
Van Gerwen has been installed as 2/9 favourite to take the £110,000 top prize on Saturday night, with Chisnall the 10/3 outsider as he chases his maiden televised title.
 
Those odds reflect Van Gerwen’s dominance in the pair’s career record, with the Dutchman unbeaten in 26 matches since 2016 against Chisnall, who last took victory in a televised tie between the pair in the 2013 World Grand Prix quarter-finals.
 
“My record against Dave is great but I still have to make sure I perform in the final,” added Van Gerwen. “I have to keep putting him under pressure to that he starts missing but he’s been brilliant in this tournament so far.”
 
Saturday’s decider will be preceded by the Tom Kirby Memorial Irish Matchplay final between Keane Barry and Liam Gallagher, which will be televised live by Sky Sports from 1915.
 
The winner of top domestic honour will progress to compete in December’s William Hill World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace.
 

World Grand Prix 2019 Results

Friday October 11
Semi-Finals
Dave Chisnall 4-1 Glen Durrant (3-0, 0-3, 3-2, 3-2, 3-2)
Michael van Gerwen 4-0 Chris Dobey (3-1, 3-2, 3-2, 3-0)