Michael van Gerwen won the Dutch derby against Gian van Veen to win the Bahrain Darts tournament as Luke Littler’s 21-match winning streak came to an end.
Van Gerwen returned to the winner’s circle with an 8-6 victory over World Cup finalist Van Venom to claim his 17th World Series title.
Earlier in the evening, Littler’s streak was ended with a huge 6-2 loss to Gervin Price in the quarterfinals.
The 18-year-old back-to-back world champion was on a stunning run that stretched to October 30.
He cleaned up with titles at the Grand Slam of Darts, the Players Championship Final and the World Championship, making Price the first man to beat him on TV since James Wade at the European Championships.
Price came away with the win with a 97.4 average and 60 percent in doubles.
Three-time world champion Van Gerwen ousted Stephen Bunting in the last eight before forcing his way past Littler’s winner Price in the semi-finals.
Against new Dutch No. 1 Van Veen, he had early finishes of 130 and 113 en route to a 6-2 lead, and although Van Veen fought back, a 103 checkout put Van Gerwen up 7-5.
He scored 66 for 14 arrows for the win and the title.
Speaking to ITV, Van Gerwen said: “I don’t have to prove anything to anyone. It’s always special because I’ve never won here, but wherever I go I always want to win.”
“I’m giving 100 per cent and of course I’ve had a few tough years, but more importantly you have to make sure you keep fighting your own battles.”
“To come here and win in Bahrain means the world to me.”
Who will win this year’s Premier League darts? Luke Humphries will defend his title and you can catch the action every Thursday from February to May on Ski Sports. Stream darts and more top sports with NOW.