• Premier League Darts

Van Gerwen and Van Barneveld secure play-off places

Michael van Gerwen will be at the O2 in May © PA Photos

Enlarge

Michael van Gerwen and Raymond van Barneveld sealed spots in the Premier League play-offs with wins over Dave Chisnall and Adrian Lewis respectively in Manchester.

League leader Van Gerwen recovered from 4-3 down to beat Chisnall 7-4, his ninth win of the season, to move on to 20 points and guarantee a top-four finish.

"I didn't play that well, I know I can do a lot better," he told Sky Sports. "On the night the most important thing is to win. Now I've qualified for the play-offs it gives me even more confidence and I can chill-out for my games in the next few weeks. I'll be there."

Van Barneveld is also into the play-offs after averaging 104.19 in a 7-3 win over Lewis.

The 47-year-old suffered a health scare when he collapsed at Berlin airport last weekend and revealed that he will to cut down on his schedule.

"It's hard for me to play Premier League darts and during the weekend on the Pro Tours as well," van Barneveld, who is a point behind compatriot Van Gerwen in the table, said.

"I learned a very hard lesson in Germany, It's stress and I know I have to look after myself. I learned a hard lesson and I'm going to concentrate on the big tournaments from now on."

Peter Wright arrested a run of three straight defeats with a 7-5 victory over Robert Thornton to cling on to third place.

Gary Anderson and Phil Taylor shared a 6-6 draw as the pair also battle for the final two play-off spots - before Anderson returned for another draw - this time with Thornton.

The results leave Taylor a point behind Wright in fourth place but above Anderson on legs difference. Taylor has a game in hand on both. Chisnall and Lewis are both four points back on 10.

Thornton is bottom and cannot make the play-offs - to be held at the O2 Arena on May 22.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd