VAN GERWEN RETURNS TO WINNING WAYS WITH PC21 VICTORY

Michael van Gerwen returned to winning ways with a magnificent 8-4 victory against Dave Chisnall in Wednesday’s Players Championship 21 final in Wigan.

Van Gerwen put in a stellar display to overcome top seed Chisnall in a high-quality affair at the Robin Park Tennis Centre, averaging 106.67 to clinch his first ranking title of 2024.

The Dutch superstar – featuring in his first Players Championship final since March 2023 – delivered the goods to capture his first title since his triumph in January’s Dutch Darts Masters.

Chisnall established an early 2-1 lead in an eye-catching start to proceedings, as the pair traded ton-plus checkouts in back-to-back legs.

However, Van Gerwen then stole a march with a run of six unanswered legs – including a fabulous 158 checkout in leg eight – to move to the cusp of victory at 7-2.

Chisnall hit back with a brace of 13-dart legs to preserve his slender hopes, although Van Gerwen averted any threat of an improbable turnaround by pinning double eight to seal the deal.

“I think I played really well,” admitted the three-time World Champion, who was using new darts in Wigan this week.

“My scoring power was there, and every time I had to put Dave under pressure, I was able to do it.

“I’m pleased with my performance. I’m using my new darts which are going really w