Dubai: World No.1 Michael Van Gerwen secured his third consecutive Dubai Duty Free Darts Masters title with a 11-8 win over 16-time world champion Phil Taylor at Dubai Tennis Stadium on Friday.
Van Gerwen pulled 4-2 ahead before Taylor won the next four legs on the spin to nudge in front 6-4, however the resurgent Dutchman fought back winning six consecutive legs from 8-6 down to win 11-8 and remain unbeaten in the emirate.
The Dutchman had proven to be the king of comebacks in this tournament returning from 4-1 down against both Raymond Van Barneveld in the quarter-final and Adrian Lewis in the semi-final to eventually win those respective ties 10-8 and 11-9.
“I’m the Master of the Desert now,” said Van Gerwen after receiving his third title in as many years. “This is amazing for myself and it was a fantastic game against Phil.
“He missed a couple of shots at the end and I took advantage of that. What can I say, the crowd was amazing, it’s been an amazing event and now I want to win it for a fourth year.
“It’s been a fantastic tournament with everyone playing so well, with great games and most hitting over 100 averages. I couldn’t wish for anything more than to play like this, I’m over the moon at the moment.
“Big thanks to everyone who made this tournament happen, it’s been amazing to play for you and I hope to come back very soon.”
Losing finalist Taylor progressed beyond the opening round for the first time in three attempts to record his first ever win in Dubai with a 10-5 quarterfinal win over Peter Wright. He then beat current world and premier league champion Gary Anderson 11-3 in the semi-final but couldn’t deny Van Gerwen his treble.
“I kept missing doubles,” said Taylor.
“He missed a few, I missed a few, it was close. I’m happy because I’ve been practicing well and everything is coming together. This is a step forward, it’s up from last week and last year.”
