Michael van Gerwen edged out Joe Cullen in an epic final to clinch his sixth Premier League title on an incredible night of action at the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Berlin.
Van Gerwen denied a heartbroken Cullen 11-10 in one of the greatest games to ever grace the Premier League stage, after the debutant missed a match dart at double 16 in a thrilling decider.
However, the Dutchman kept his cool to fire in a 13-darter and equal Phil Taylor's haul of six Premier League titles, as he celebrates victory in a first PDC Premier event for over 18 months.
"I have been going through a really tough time, so to win this title means a lot to me," reflected an emotional Van Gerwen, who eased past James Wade 10-4 in the semi-finals.
"I’m a happy man. Joe Cullen was phenomenal in that final. What a day. I’m over the moon.
"Of course I am going for more titles now. To have won this trophy here in Berlin is amazing.
"This last 18 months has hurt me. I know what I’m capable of, but this crowd in Germany today, they were absolutely sensational. I think they were a credit to the sport."
MICHAEL VAN GERWEN HAS DONE IT AGAIN 🏆
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) June 13, 2022
Absolutely incredible drama to the last dart, as Michael van Gerwen secures an amazing SIXTH Cazoo Premier League title!
What a final that was, as Van Gerwen does it again ✅ pic.twitter.com/eVPKnZIVyK
Earlier in the evening, Cullen produced an astonishing display of power scoring to thwart Jonny Clayton’s bid for back-to-back Premier League titles.
Cullen stormed into a remarkable 6-0 lead against the reigning champion before closing out a resounding 10-4 victory, averaging almost 101 and crashing in 11 maximums – equalling the tournament record for 180s in a match.
In the second semi-final, Van Gerwen defeated 2009 champion Wade by the same scoreline to book his place in a record-equalling eighth Premier League showpiece.
The opening six legs of the last four contest were shared, but a blistering burst from Van Gerwen saw him win seven of the last eight to pull away from Wade and triumph with a 99 average and six 180s.
Van Gerwen - who now returns to the Netherlands for surgery on an arm injury - pockets £305,000 in total from the Premier League season, with three nightly wins earning him a £30,000 bonus in addition to the £275,000 top prize.
Cullen, meanwhile, claimed £125,000 as runner-up and took home a further £20,000 in bonus prize money.
Table-topper Clayton's four night wins during the season boosted his £85,000 prize money to a total of £125,000, while Wade earned £105,000 following his strong season.
