Michael van Gerwen at a different level after 'perfect' performance
Monday 28 December 2015 22:16, UK
Michael van Gerwen produced an outstanding performance, including a 109 average, in his second round World Darts Championship victory and Sky Sports expert Wayne Mardle has labelled it 'nigh-on perfect'.
Van Gerwen, who narrowly avoided a shock exit to Germany's Rene Eidams in the first round, is targeting a second world title at Alexandra Palace and made light work of opponent Darren Webster, winning 4-0 in just 17 minutes on Sunday night.
The Dutchman has had a terrific 2015 and has appeared in every televised final of the PDC major tournaments since losing to Gary Anderson in the World Championship semi-finals 12 months ago.
Sky Sports expert Wayne Mardle says Van Gerwen's win, which included the fourth highest average ever seen at the Ally Pally tournament, four ton-plus checkouts and just one dropped leg, was incredible, outstanding and one of the best you'll ever see.
"It was an amazing performance," said Mardle.
"The best that Michael has ever produced and the fourth best that's ever been achieved at the World Championship.
"It was just nigh-on perfect. Every corner Darren Webster turned there was a big green mountain in front of him.
"Michael may never ever produce another performance like that in a World Championship and he's only 26, that's how good it is.
"It was a phenomenal experience to watch as well."
The 26-year-old will play countryman Raymond van Barneveld in the quarter-finals and Mardle warns that the five-time world champion is likely to give his young compatriot a lot more to think about.
"Michael won't average 109 every match, he will come back down to earth at one point, whatever point that will be.
"He was allowed to play because he was so good. Someone else will worry him. Whether the nearest we've seen to him being beat is Rene Eidams.... I don't know.
"That kind of performance is not possible for human beings to continue to do match after match, it's not possible.
"Michael knows he can't play like that every time. If he did, why have the tournament? Just give it to him right now.
"What Barney has got to do is relax and play. He knows he can beat Michael.
"Michael will not play like that against Barney. He's been beaten by Barney so many times."
You can watch the PDC World Darts Championship live on the Sky Sports Darts Channel.
Non-subscribers can also enjoy daily, weekly or monthly access to Sky Sports Darts and Sky Sports other six channels contract-free with NOW TV.
