Wayne Mardle praises Michael van Gerwen's first round performance
Wednesday 21 December 2016 15:15, UK
Wayne Mardle reflects on a convincing first round win for Michael van Gerwen at the World Darts Championship and looks ahead to Phil Taylor’s title challenge.
Michael van Gerwen didn't look under pressure to me, even though there would've been nerves - of course there would be.
He clearly puts himself under pressure by saying that he wants to win it and that he needs to win it. After having such a successful year of course he feels the favourite, which he is, but somehow he can always deal with it.
He's fluent, he's quick and in his releases the hand has no sign of tension or stress. Even speaking after the game he seems quite happy and so he should be, as he has put himself in a real good spot.
It's a bit like Phil (Taylor) back in the day and like Gary (Anderson) last year, where I think people thought Gary would be overcome by nerves in the first game but instead got over it so quickly.
Michael is the odds-on favourite and has had this year where has won 25 events, and these great players just find a way to carry on winning.
Given the time of year, Christmas in my opinion was always in the way. It was a break you didn't need and if Van Gerwen could play tomorrow and get into the next round he would do.
You've got to wait 12 days now instead of cracking on with the tournament. Yes he'll have a better Christmas than losing, obviously, but I always found it slightly in the way.
Live World Darts Championship
Looking ahead
Phil Taylor is the story of Sunday's schedule. I don't think Phil's form has dipped, it's just slightly more inconsistent. He'll probably average around a ton, but the thing is with Phil now is that the timing is slightly off and the composure has slightly gone.
When he's playing well he beats Van Gerwen and he's done that five times this year - more times than any other player. He can still beat anyone, but every now and again he is found wanting and misses the odd two or three darts at a double
He's missing the odd 74 finish that you used to think he'd go 42, 32 without any problem, so he's giving players hope when they never used to have any!
Live World Darts Championship
