Michael van Gerwen can set higher standards, says Wayne Mardle
Sunday 28 February 2016 11:27, UK
Michael van Gerwen can raise his supreme standards even higher after setting a world record average, says Wayne Mardle.
The world No 1 recorded the highest average in a televised match on night four of the Premier League, ending with 124.3 in his 7-1 win over Michael Smith in Aberdeen.
Van Gerwen's mark could have been even better as he missed match darts while on an average of 136.
Sky Sports expert Wayne Mardle heaped praise on a 'mind-boggling' performance by the Dutchman and believes he can better his own record.
"His lowest scoring visit was 80. He's hit a treble each and every time he's gone to the board," said Mardle. "It's just one of those nights and one of those games, one of those performances which we may never see the like again.
"We've only ever seen that once. Once have we seen over a 120 average - and that was it. It was just an absolutely mind-boggling performance.
Like Michael said, he knows he can get better. He can hit a 136 average, because he had a chance at it.
"It could have been a hell of a lot better. It would have been roughly 136 if that 36 goes in, and the last leg he messed up the 50. Look, it was just one of those games that I could watch time and time again.
"Like Michael said, he knows he can get better. He can hit a 136 average, because he had a chance at it. Just amazing."
Sixteen-time world champion Phil Taylor previously held the record of 118.66, set against Kevin Painter at the 2010 UK Open.
After Taylor's dominant reign at the top of darts, Mardle insists the current No 1 is taking the sport to a higher level.
"It's good that someone else is now showing Phil how it's done because [Phil] has shown everyone for the last 25-26 years," said Mardle.
"Now Phil is watching someone else that can play, on his day, better than him, which I never thought I would ever say in my lifetime, I must admit. Michael van Gerwen has raised the bar, the facts are there."
