Monday 11 September 2017 00:57, UK
Michael van Gerwen won his fifth European Tour title of 2017 and 14th tournament of the year with a 6-3 win over Rob Cross in the German Darts Grand Prix final on Sunday night.
Van Gerwen had opened the weekend with a whitewash of Richard North as he averaged 111 in Saturday's second round, before seeing off Gerwyn Price 6-2 to book his spot in the quarter-finals.
He then averaged 102.56 in a 6-1 quarter-final defeat of fellow Dutchman Jelle Klaasen before punishing 11 missed doubles from Simon Whitlock to record another whitewash as he booked his spot in the decider.
After Van Gerwen opened the final with a 180, both players missed the bull before Cross returned on double eight to hold throw.
Van Gerwen levelled by taking out 127 for a 12-darter, with Cross finishing 111 to hold in the third after the Dutchman missed double 14 to check out 145.
The world champion landed a maximum and tops for a 13-darter to square the game in the fourth, but was unable to finish 104 in the fifth as Cross escaped from five missed doubles by landing double five to lead 3-2.
A missed bull for a 127 finish in the sixth from Cross allowed Van Gerwen to avoid a possible break as double 16 saw the world No 1 square the game once more.
Van Gerwen then secured the crucial break himself to move 4-3 up, opening leg seven with a 180 before taking out 76 for an 11-darter to lead for the first time.
The Dutchman then backed that up with a 12-darter, opening once more with a maximum before taking out 101 on double 16 for a 5-3 lead before a 110 checkout sealed victory.
"When you play well and win it's a fantastic feeling," said Van Gerwen. "I think I deserved the win and I'm really happy.
"I started off with a 111 average and finished with a 111 average so that's not too bad.
"Rob was the player who gave me the biggest game and it was difficult to break his throw, but my scoring power was there and my will to win was there, and that makes me the champion today.
"I'm sure I'm going to have more good clashes against Rob, he's broken through this year and he's doing really well. He's going to be one of the big superstars."
The biggest names in darts will return to Dublin's Citywest Hotel from October 1-7 for the 2017 World Grand Prix and you will be able to watch all the action with us on Sky Sports
Who will win the World Grand Prix at Dublin's Citywest Hotel this year? Let us know your thoughts by tweeting @SkySportsDarts or by using the comments box below - sign in with Facebook. Follow us on Twitter & use #LoveTheDarts
