Henderson fights back to stun Van Gerwen in Aberdeen

MICHAEL van Gerwen extended his winless run to three matches after John Henderson produced a terrific comeback to secure a 6-6 draw on night five of the Premier League.

The world champion was beaten by James Wade in Exeter last week, losing his 100 per cent record, before crashing out of the UK Open at the hands of Mervyn King 24 hours later.

Van Gerwen seemed to be returning to winning ways when taking a 5-2 lead with an average of over 100 in Aberdeen on Thursday night, but local favourite Henderson, pictured, the fifth contender deputising for the injured Gary Anderson, refused to be overawed, hitting six 180s and averaging 97.38 to secure a draw.

Wade produced another stunning performance, whitewashing an outof-sorts Daryl Gurney 7-0 to move top of the table. Already full of confidence after his shock win seven days ago, the 35-year-old continued where he left off by averaging 109.59 and boasting a checkout percentage of 77.78.

Rob Cross got the better of Michael Smith again, having won their UK Open semi-final last weekend.

The former world champion averaged 103.96 and took out a 164 – the highest checkout of the tournament so far – en route to a 7-3 victory.

Gerwyn Price kept his unbeaten record intact, brushing aside Mensur Suljovic 7-3, while Peter Wright averaged 108.88 to beat winless Raymond Van Barneveld 7-3 as well.