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German Darts Championship: Michael van Gerwen battles back to win title against Rob Cross

Van Gerwen found himself 4-1 down in the opening stages of the final, but the three-time tournament winner fought back to earn his first European title since 2019.

Finalist Rob Cross started the brighter of the two on the night, racing to a 2-0 lead after Van Gerwen missed successive checkouts of 110 and 130.

The 32-year-old Dutchman found his way back into the game with a break in the following leg, and he had a great opportunity to level the scores straight after, only to miss double 20 for a checkout of 100.

Cross, looking for the first European Tour title of his career, swiftly punished Van Gerwen's mistakes, and took a 4-1 lead.
But from there on, momentum switched in favour of the three-time World Champion. A 12-darter followed by checkouts of 171 and 100 saw Van Gerwen draw level in a flash.

Cross rallied to go 5-4 up with a 121 but Van Gerwen then dominated the final legs. Three consecutive legs - checkouts of 72, 40 and 86 - set up Van Gerwen for the win, and he sealedย the 8-5 victory with a double 18 after Cross missed a vital 104.

It was a huge recovery from Van Gerwen, who claimed his first title of 2022 after a tameย 2021.

Back-to-back Premier League wins in Exeter and Brighton recently saw Mighty Mike climb to the top of the table, and this victory saw him leapfrog Michael Smith to become world No.3 in the PDC Order of Merit.

The ยฃ25,000 prize from Sunday's title was the difference, but he has a long way to go if he is to reclaim his crown at the top of the rankings, with Gerwyn Price and Peter Wright leading at the top.
As for Cross, the world No.10's wait for a European title continues.
Following the victory, Van Gerwen said:

"I've been working for this for a really long time and it means a lot to me.

"To win a tournament again feels absolutely phenomenal.

"Everyone knows I love to play tournaments in Germany - the crowds have been absolutely fantastic, and it means the world.

"I keep fighting and I never give up. I'm not done yet!"

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