Van Gerwen's Joy After Anderson Thriller

Michael van Gerwen & Gary Anderson (PDC)

MICHAEL VAN GERWEN has hailed rival Gary Anderson following the pair's thrilling Unibet Premier League tie in Newcastle on Thursday.

Van Gerwen got back to winning ways in the Premier League with a 7-3 defeat of the Scot in arguably the highest-quality game in the 14-year history of the event.

Both players averaged over 110, while Anderson took out a sensational 170 checkout to move 3-2 up in a leg where Van Gerwen had hit seven perfect darts.

The Dutchman ended the contest with seven 180s and finished seven doubles from 12 attempts in a clinical display, while Anderson landed four maximums and two 177s only to see the world number one sweep to victory with five straight legs.

Having lost out to Peter Wright in Cardiff on Night Two, Van Gerwen believes that the tie with Anderson was perfect for him to bounce back.

"I think it was a great game for people to watch and also for us to play in," said Van Gerwen.

"In the last two weeks I've not been at my best but Gary brings a little bit extra out of me.

"When you play like this against an opponent like Gary, it gives you a lot of confidence for the rest of the Premier League.

"I missed two darts to go 3-0 so I was a little bit annoyed with that, but I was so focused that I felt there was more in the game, and I showed it. I know now my A game and I want to do it more often.

"We were both phenomenal and we can both be happy with the performance, but it's most important that I got the two points because I needed that to keep up with the players at the top of the table.

"I've had Rob Cross, Peter Wright and Gary Anderson and four points is not too bad."

Thursday's game echoed the pair's meeting in the 2017 Dubai Duty Free Darts Masters final, where Anderson took victory in another tie where both players averaged over 110.

The pair also enjoyed another fast-paced thriller in the 2017 World Championship final, when Van Gerwen (107.79) defeated Anderson (104.93) at Alexandra Palace 7-3 in sets.

Watch - Gary Anderson's 170 Finish