Mighty Mike retains Coral UK Open title

The Dutch superstar, who will be in action next month in Belfast in week 11 of the Premier League, followed up Saturday’s stunning nine-dart finish against amateur Rob Cross, which also featured two of four 170 checkouts he would land during the event, by powering to the £60,000 title in Sunday’s finals day.

He firstly overcame the event’s last remaining amateur ace, Essex’s Barry Lynn, with a 10-6 quarter-final win before coming from 4-1 down to defeat great rival Phil Taylor by the same scoreline in the semis.

He then produced a master-class against Wright in a repeat of the 2015 final as he again swept to victory with a relentless display, taking charge with an early 4-1 lead before the Scot pulled back to 5-3.

A 105 finish from van Gerwen was followed by finishes of 88, 76 and 74 as he took five straight legs to move to the brink of victory, with Wright taking the 14th leg and the missing double 12 for a sensational nine-darter, only to see the Dutchman step in to complete victory with a 64 finish.

“I played really well and I’m really pleased to win another trophy,” said van Gerwen, who has now won six PDC events during 2016 and averaged 106.68 in the final. “I had four 170 finishes, a nine-darter and won the tournament so it’s fantastic.

“I’m working really hard and I’m glad it’s paying off at the moment. I love this game and I love winning, this is a wonderful feeling.

“Peter is growing into one of the best players there is and he’s getting better and better - but I’m glad I beat him today. I did the right thing at the right moment and he’s a fantastic player, and sooner or later he is going to win a tournament.”

Wright was left to claim the £30,000 runner-up cheque for the second successive year as his quest for a maiden major title continues, and the world number five said: “He’s the best player on the planet.

“I’m disappointed that I didn’t give him more of a game but I will work harder to try and get to Michael’s level. He’s a machine at the moment.

“It is coming for me - I learn every time I lose against these guys and it might take a little time but I will get there.”