Premier League Darts: Michael van Gerwen inflicts first ever whitewash on Phil Taylor on opening night of the new season

The world champion admits he was 'amazed' by the 7-0 result which took just under 14 minutes to complete and hand Taylor his first ever scoreless result

Michael van Gerwen beat Phil Taylor 7-0 to give the darts great his first ever whitewash defeat (GETTY IMAGES)

World champion Michael Van Gerwen could barely believe what had happened as he condemned Phil Taylor to a first career whitewash.

Although Van Gerwen won the world crown last month, Taylor - 16 times a world champion - remains the man to beat at any tournament.

He was obliterated by Van Gerwen on the opening night of the new Premier League season in Liverpool on Thursday, though, losing 7-0 in just under 14 minutes.

"To start the Premier League with a 7-0 win over Phil Taylor is amazing," said reigning Premier League champion Van Gerwen.

"I hope I can keep up this form for the next 15 weeks."

Taylor was playing for the first time with new darts following a recent change of sponsor and Van Gerwen was keen to stress that might have been a factor.

"Phil didn't play his top game but I played really well and finished everything. I can't remember anyone beating Phil 7-0 before but he'll be back - he's a true great and he's won 16 World Championships, but it might take him a few weeks to get used to his new darts," he added.

PA