World Darts Championship: What are Michael van Gerwen and Phil Taylor's chances?
Tuesday 27 December 2016 12:35, UK
Michael van Gerwen only has a single world title, while Phil Taylor hasn't added to his 16 in three years. Will either win this year's World Darts Championship?
Why has MVG only collected one world title despite his dominance?
Rod Harrington said: It's not that surprising that he's only won one world title. Five years ago he couldn't win an argument. He was always an incredible talent but he couldn't win! He learned how to win and his confidence grew, and grew, and grew. Up until five years ago, he wasn't capable of winning one.
Keith Deller said: Michael is playing unbelievable darts but he was doing that last year, and he didn't win. Does he want it too much? Why hasn't he won in the past three years? Michael is very good at reeling off legs quickly but, when it goes to sets, he can win three legs but only be 1-0 up. That doesn't suit him.
I see Van Gerwen beating whoever he plays in the final.
John Part said: It's down to timing and experience. Here is my psychological answer - he tries to win it too hard. He's a little vulnerable at crucial points because he wants to win it too bad. Gary Anderson doesn't really care about Michael at all. He knows he's a tough player but Gary knows that if he plays well he can deal with him and when you're world No 1, you can lose your head playing guys like that.
Rod Studd said: I don't know - there is no answer to that. If he played badly in a match, you'd find a reason, but the fact is he lost to Gary Anderson in the 2015 semi-finals, in 2013 Phil Taylor played his greatest ever match from a couple of sets behind. In 2014, he won it. And then last year, he produced the highest average from a losing player in the history of the world darts championship and Raymond van Barneveld was inspired. Barney just played brilliantly. There's no reason that he's no winning world championships. The other bloke just played better and sometimes you just have to shake his hand and say fair play.
Mark Dudbridge said: Timing. Phil beat him in one semi-final. He's come up against people who have been in form. But the darts he's throwing this year have been frightening.
Is this Taylor's final chance to add to his record 16 world titles?
Deller: You know Phil, he might win the tournament then want to have another go. He still averages 104 or 105 but he's got a tough route to the final - Adrian Lewis, Gary Anderson, and Michael van Gerwen. He'll prepare right for this one.
Part: When he played Gary Anderson in the final it was his last chance, but I would love Phil to make a run at it. I just don't know how practical it is. What he's done in his career, he's always capable of doing anything and I wouldn't say otherwise. Do I think it's going to happen? I don't think it's going to happen, but I would love to see it happen, don't get me wrong. He could, but it would be something special if he does.
He isn't playing worse than he ever was - but others are playing much better. I'd hate to see him keep going, keep trying, and get worse and worse. It would be a nice story if he won it, then bowed out.
Studd: He's not going to get any better. It's unthinkable at the age of 56 that you're going to get any better, so he said he going to give it a crack one last time. I don't think this is his last chance, I just think he thinks the chances will get less as time goes on. Will he retire? Most of us are old romantics at heart and I think a lot of people would think Phil Taylor with a win on the Alexander Palace stage and then to say in his post-match interview - 'that's it'. I think that would be a really great way to go.
Harrington: I don't think he'll pack up yet. If you look at Phil's games stats-wise, he's still playing well. He's probably the third best player in the world. To carry on, like he has been doing, is incredible. The one thing he's lost in his armoury: when he's behind, it's difficult for him to come back. But what will Phil do without darts?
