Michael Van Gerwen continued his Premier League dominance by topping the table for a seventh consecutive season.
The Dutchman headed into the final night of the regular campaign in Leeds one point behind Rob Cross, knowing a win would put the pressure on the former electrician.
FINAL STANDINGS! So here we have it. After 16 gruelling and unpredictable nights of competition, here is the final 2019 @Unibet Premier League table. Michael van Gerwen, Rob Cross, Daryl Gurney and James Wade will star @TheO2 next Thursday. pic.twitter.com/EbylIqRiTa — PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) May 16, 2019
Van Gerwen held up his end of the bargain, beating Mensur Suljovic 8-5, before Cross lost 8-6 to James Wade in the final match of the evening.
Wade was already assured of a play-off spot and will take on Cross again in the semi-final at the O2 Arena next week.
Daryl Gurney won the race for fourth place, beating off competition from Gerwyn Price and Suljovic, to secure a maiden Premier League semi with Van Gerwen, whom he did the double over earlier this campaign.
Price put the pressure on in the opener, extending Peter Wright's winless streak to 11 matches with a convincing 8-3 victory.
But any hopes the Welshman had of qualifying were extinguished when Gurney saw off Michael Smith by the same scoreline courtesy of a 101.8 average and five maximums.
VAN GERWEN WINS! He moves back ahead of Cross, meaning Cross needs to win to take top spot! And the Play-Offs are now confirmed... it's Van Gerwen, Cross, Wade and Gurney!#Unibet180 pic.twitter.com/oS1957Fqia — PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) May 16, 2019
That left Suljovic needing to beat Van Gerwen, but the Austrian slipped 5-0 behind before restoring some pride with a late rally.
Cross struggled to emulate his recent impressive form and surrendered top spot as Wade, despite missing plenty of doubles, took advantage to finish third and avoid a last-four clash with Van Gerwen.
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