Michael van Gerwen ends his drought for a title, as the Dutchman wins the Nordic Darts Masters.

Emotional Michael van Gerwen won the Viaplay Nordic Darts Masters on Saturday, claiming his first championship of 2021, while Fallon Sherrock made history by reaching the Copenhagen final.

Van Gerwen hasn’t won a title for over ten months since winning the Players Championship Finals in November, but he was back to his spectacular best in the inaugural event at Forum Copenhagen.

Van Gerwen defeated Madars Razma 10-4 in the quarterfinals and Jonny Clayton 11-7 in the semi-finals after being pushed all the way by Darius Labanauskas in the first round.

He then had to come back from a 6-3 deficit to win 11-7 in a thriller against Sherrock, who made history by being the first female player to advance to a PDC televised final against male opposition.

Sherrock had a quarter-final bye as World Champion Gerwyn Price withdrew from Saturday’s final stages due to an elbow injury after defeating Denmark’s Niels Heinse 6-1 in the opening round.

She had to fight all the way to win her semi-final against Dimitri Van den Bergh 11-10 in a nail-biting finish, after the Belgian missed eight darts for victory.

Sherrock had fallen behind 7-1, 8-2, and 10-6 before clawing her way back into the match as Van den Bergh faltered, taking out 106 and 101 and forcing a decisive leg that began with a 180 and ended with a 100 checkout.

Sherrock then fell behind 2-0 to Van Gerwen in the final, as the world number three began with a 180 and broke in leg two with a 110.

Sherrock, on the other hand, won six of the next seven legs in either 13 or 14 darts to take a commanding 6-3 lead which had Copenhagen on it’s feet.

Van Gerwen hit back with 72 and 122 to close the gap to 6-5, but a 154 checkout at tops enabled Sherrock through on double nine to reclaim the lead.

The Dutchman drew level with 13 and 14 dart legs before posting a double ten to reclaim the lead at 8-7 and a 14-darter to surge two legs clear.

Van Gerwen led 10-7 after a double four, and he finished 80 in two darts to clinch win and end his 2021 title wait.

The Dutchman broke down in tears as he lifted the trophy, and admitted: “To win this means a lot to me and I’m very proud.

“I’ve been through a really tough period, there was so much pressure on my shoulders.

“I’ve had to wait a long time to win a trophy – for my ability and what I’m capable of, it’s been too long, but that makes it even nicer, and this tournament had everything.

“It was very difficult for me and I’ve had to work really hard. Jonny played out of his skin in the semi-final and I can only give credit to Fallon for how she played.

“She played a phenomenal tournament and I think she played one of the best games of her life in the final, and I had to find another gear.

“It’s been a phenomenal day of darts for everyone and I think I deserved it this weekend, I played really well overall.

“The fans have been absolutely incredible and I can’t thank them enough, I hope I can come back next year.”

Sherrock’s run to the final propels her back into the spotlight ahead of the PDC Women’s Series, where she will compete for a place in the Cazoo Grand Slam of Darts and William Hill World Darts Championship.

“I was so proud of myself, especially to push Michael as much as I did,” admitted Sherrock. “It’s Michael van Gerwen, and I was so close to him!

“I cannot put into words how I was feeling [at 6-3 up] – I was shaking but I had to stay calm. I’ve taken every opportunity that I can get – showing everyone how I can play and pushing one of the best in the world, I’m so happy.”

2021 Viaplay Nordic Darts Masters

Saturday September 18
Afternoon Session
Quarter-Finals
Fallon Sherrock Bye (Gerwyn Price withdrew)
Dimitri Van den Bergh 10-8 Gary Anderson
Jonny Clayton 10-3 Peter Wright
Michael van Gerwen 10-4 Madars Razma

Evening Session
Semi-Finals
Fallon Sherrock 11-10 Dimitri Van den Bergh
Michael van Gerwen 11-7 Jonny Clayton

Final
Michael van Gerwen 11-7 Fallon Sherrock