Tuesday 12 April 2016 16:15, UK
Michael van Gerwen was on the wrong end of a shocking 6-0 thumping by Ian White last weekend, but Sky Sports expert Wayne Mardle can see that scoreline happening again.
It appears on paper that the world No 1 was stuffed by White at a Players Championship in Barnsley, but was it that simple?
Allow Mardle to explain…
How does the world's best player get thrashed 6-0?
Wayne said: "When you put that in context, White averaged 106. So it's three breaks of throw with a 106 average - that's all it is, and it's more than possible."
But how did Van Gerwen lose six legs without reply?
Wayne said: "If you're throwing first and you start with a 12-dart leg, you're very rarely going to be broken because the other guy would have to go out in nine.
Then you break to go 2-0 up, then you hold again - because, don't forget, you're averaging 106 so the odds are that you won't give your opponent a fifth visit."
We've seen Van Gerwen break an opponent's throw plenty of times…
Wayne said: "Unless Van Gerwen is breaking in nine, 10, 11 or 12 darts he isn't winning that leg.
Then you're 3-0 down and you have to push the boat out a bit. Any player on the circuit can win three legs running so why can't they do it twice?"
So it wasn't that bad for Van Gerwen?
Wayne said: "The 106 average tells its own story, then it's three breaks of throw. You can play well and lose, that's the fickle nature of darts."
Were you shocked when you saw the result?
Wayne said: "I look at the result and think: 'Okay, Michael must have missed a few opportunities.' 6-0 is rare but it's not difficult to get beaten like that if someone is averaging 106. It won't be the last time Van Gerwen loses 6-0."
Has it ever happened to you, Wayne?
Wayne said: "I remember playing Simon Whitlock, six months before I actually packed up. I vividly remember hitting three 140s then not getting another shot. Then hitting three 140s and taking out 81. Then hitting three 140s and not getting another shot."
And you lost?
Wayne said: "I hit nine 140s in a row, finished from 81, and I was 2-1 down. I was at the end of my tether!
"I remember thinking: 'This is the best I can play but I'm still losing.' Yet you can play poorly and win."
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