Michael Van Gerwen on target to claim Grand Slam of Darts title
Michael Van Gerwen retained the Grand Slam of Darts title with a superb 16-8 win over James Wade in last night's final at the Wolverhampton Civic Hall, claiming an untouchable 24th tournament win of 2016.
The Dutchman's incredible year continued with yet another televised triumph as he pocketed £102,500 for his imperious nine days.
Van Gerwen had won through to the final with a sensational display as he outlasted Peter Wright 16-10 in a high-quality semi-final, averaging 111.17 and hitting a huge 17 maximums in the process, his most ever in a Grand Slam match.
He then overcame a slow start in the final – as Wade opened up an early 3-1 lead with the aid of a 112 finish to break throw – by storming to victory by winning 10 of the final 13 legs.
"This is the best feeling you can have, to win a tournament," said Van Gerwen. "It was a difficult final and I had to work hard, so it's fantastic.
"James is a fantastic player and he made it difficult but I'm really glad I won this trophy. I proved that I can still win when I'm not 100 per cent, but it's not how you win a trophy, just that you win it. I think I was the best player and I did the right things at the right moments. In the groups I wasn't really tested, but after that I played better and better.
"I've won most of the tournaments this year and I love winning."
Wade, who defeated Gary Anderson 16-14 in a tight semi-final earlier in the day, said: "Michael is the best player in the world at the moment and I didn't give him a game. I was very poor."
