Premier League Darts: Phil Taylor secures play-off spot but Van Gerwen cuts lead

Phil Taylor has qualified for the Premier League play-offs, having failed to do so in 2015

Phil Taylor sealed a Premier League play-off spot, but two Michael van Gerwen wins in Bournemouth cut his lead at the top of the table to two points.

Taylor beat Robert Thornton 7-2, while world number one Van Gerwen defeated Peter Wright by the same scoreline and then overcame Adrian Lewis 7-5.

Lewis also lost to Raymond van Barneveld, denting his play-off hopes.

He is just a point clear of James Wade, who drew 6-6 with third-placed Gary Anderson, in the final play-off spot.

Taylor, 55, has won the Premier League on six previous occasions, but he was not involved in the play-offs in 2015 - the first time he had failed to qualify since the event's inception in 2005.

Victory over Thornton stretched his unbeaten run in the tournament to 12 matches.

Van Gerwen will confirm his play-off place if he takes avoids defeat by Wade in Birmingham on 28 April.

Premier League - round 12 results

Michael van Gerwen 7-2 Peter Wright

Raymond van Barneveld 7-4 Adrian Lewis

Gary Anderson 6-6 James Wade

Phil Taylor 7-2 Robert Thornton

Adrian Lewis 5-7 Michael van Gerwen