Van Gerwen battles back to secure point against Lewis

MichaelvanGerwen - Cropped

Michael van Gerwen stands joint-top of the Premier League Darts table alongside Dave Chisnall after fighting back to secure a point against Adrian Lewis.

The Dutchman came into Thursday's action in Belfast with a 100 per cent record after three rounds, but found himself 5-2 down against Lewis.

But Van Gerwen refused to be beaten, taking out 80 and then double top in the final two legs to secure a 6-6 draw.

"I'm a bit disappointed with a point, but I came back from 5-2 down. I need to play better," he told Sky Sports afterwards.

"He was slowing me down, slowing himself down, but it made it a worse game."

Lewis responded: "I can play slow or fast, it makes no difference to me. Michael hasn't got that calibre has he?"

Chisnall is level with Van Gerwen on seven points after he overcame Kim Huybrechts 7-4, breaking the Belgian's throw in legs three and 11 to continue his strong early-season form.

Huybrechts has just one point to his name from four matches, as does fellow newcomer Stephen Bunting, who lost out 7-4 to defending champion Raymond van Barneveld.

The 2014 BDO winner made the switch to the PDC last year, but has struggled in the early weeks of his debut Premier League season.

Bunting found himself 4-0 down and, although he fought back to 5-4 in arrears, could not deny Van Barneveld his first win of the 2015 campaign.

Phil Taylor was held to a 6-6 draw by Peter Wright, and was less than impressed with his own performance.

"I didn't enjoy it. It was a struggle for me. I've got to rectify that and put it right for next week," he said.

Elsewhere, reigning world champion Gary Anderson defeated James Wade 7-4 to move a point behind Van Gerwen and Chisnall.

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