With the relegation trap door opening in just two weeks' time, we aren't any closer to knowing which two fall at the first hurdle. But what we did see in Cardiff was another heap of amazing darts with changes to the top and bottom of the standings, as well as everyone getting closer together.
Another magic performance from Michael Van Gerwen sees him move to the top of table, thrashing Gary Anderson who didn't actually do a lot wrong. The defeat for the Scot sees him move in to the relegation zone as Adrian Lewis managed to beat Robert Thornton to move out of the drop zone for the first time in the competition. Another defeat for Wes Newton meant that Phil Taylor didn't lose three on the bounce for the first time Premier League history, but it also sets up a huge relegation battle against Anderson next week in Glasgow. There was also a win for Andy Hamilton in the rematch from last year's semi-final against Simon Whitlock.
It was those two who started the show in Wales and on his fourth attempt, Whitlock levelled the match in the second leg to win his first leg in Cardiff since March 2011. Hamilton then moved in to a 3-1 lead before making it 4-1 at the seventh attempt after the Aussie also missed three darts of his own to pull a leg back. Whitlock did manage to find a crucial break in the ninth leg, making it 5-4, but Hamilton responded by breaking back and assuring a point in the next leg after Whitlock missed the double for a 114-checkout. The match was completed in the following leg with Hamilton earning a 7-4 victory, a great way to continue on from his defeat of Taylor last week.
It's not often that a player will average 96.8 and get battered 7-1. But that's exactly what happened to Anderson as he was unfortunate enough to walk in to the Van Gerwen express. A 121-checkout in the second leg saw the Dutchman take a 2-0 lead in just 25-darts. If that wasn't good enough, Anderson would miss the bull in the third leg to allow Van Gerwen to make it 3-0 with a 120-checkout. But the best was yet to come as it would be 4-0 with Van Gerwen firing in a magnificent 164-checkout with Anderson waiting on-40, meaning the Dutchman was still to miss a dart at the double. Anderson's only leg came in the fifth leg after Van Gerwen missed his first dart at the double. But Anderson couldn't gain any momentum from that and Van Gerwen remained in full control. The Dutchman was able to secure a point at the fifth attempt before winning the match 7-1 after Anderson missed three darts at the double. After four legs, Van Gerwen was looking to set a world record average, but he ended up having to settle for 107.22 and a place at the top of the table.
Lewis fought hard to move out of the relegation zone for the first time in this tournament, having to beat Thornton in the deciding leg. The six legs all went with throw with neither player really challenging the other when they were throwing second. That all changed in the seventh leg as Lewis managed to break, only for Thornton to break back and level the score once again at 4-4. Thornton missed a dart at the bull to hold his throw in the ninth leg and it was duly punished with a classy 155-checkout from Lewis. This time Lewis held on to his throw to secure a point, but Thornton would force a deciding leg with an amazing 162-checkout. Lewis had the throw in the all important final leg and a double five was enough to see him over the line, winning 7-5.
Some people were seriously wondering if Taylor could possibly lose three Premier League matches on the bounce, not winning in four, in his match against Newton. In the beginning those thoughts may have increased as Taylor didn't start off quickly. But a missed dart from Newton allowed The Power to win the first leg before instantly doubling his advantage. As the game progressed, Taylor began to find his rhythm and a 126-checkout put the World Champion 4-1 ahead. Newton missed the double for a 125-checkout in the sixth leg and a 115-checkout from Taylor earned a point at 6-2. The game would only last one more leg as Taylor would win it to finish with a 101.7 average. Newton now knows that if he doesn't beat Anderson next week, it could be curtains for the Premier League newcomer.
The final match of the night was billed as the highlight match, but it was more intriguing rather than exhilarating. Neither Wade or Van Barneveld were at their best despite Wade kicking off with a 118-checkout. Wade should have made it 2-0 but missed six darts to take it, gifting Barney the chance to level the scores. The gave the Dutchman the impetus somewhat as he went in to a 3-1 lead. But three consecutive 40-checkouts from Wade turned the match on its head and put The Machine 4-3 in front. A 124-checkout consolidated that in to a 5-4 lead before a 50-finish gave Wade the point with the deciding leg to play. Van Barneveld managed to hold on to Wade and seal that final leg to make it two draws on the spin as he surrenders his top spot. Table after week seven:
1. Michael Van Gerwen 10 +15
2. Raymond Van Barneveld 10 +10
3. Phil Taylor 8 +8
4. James Wade 8 +6
5. Andy Hamilton 8 +3
6. Robert Thornton 7 -1
7. Simon Whitlock 6 -5
8. Adrian Lewis 5 -10
9. Gary Anderson 5 -12
10. Wes Newton 3 -14
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