Phil Taylor remains the perfect role model for Michael van Gerwen, says Wayne Mardle
Thursday 12 March 2015 16:12, UK
Wayne Mardle believes Michael van Gerwen should look to Phil Taylor as the perfect example of how to keep your cool in the Premier League.
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The 25-year-old Dutchman is yet to suffer a defeat in this year’s campaign, but has vented his frustrations in post-match interviews following recent draws against Adrian Lewis and Peter Wright.
Tonight’s clash with Taylor could test Van Gerwen’s composure in Nottingham, live on Sky Sports, especially after ‘The Power’ claimed his rival was starting to crack under the pressure.
He is feeling the pressure, there is no doubt about it and Phil Taylor is right to highlight it.
Sky Sports expert Mardle has echoed the words of Taylor, suggesting that ‘Mighty Mike’ is feeling the burden of expectation as the world’s No 1 player.
“Michael might want to sit back and think hold on, I’ve created a bit of an atmosphere by acting like I have when I haven't won - and that is a culmination of pressure,” said Mardle.
“It’s not easy to keep winning. No one has done it since Phil Taylor really, but Michael’s on this incredible run.
“He is feeling the pressure, there is no doubt about it and Phil Taylor is right to highlight it.
“Phil Taylor is the best player that the world has ever seen. That is why he handles the pressure better, because he knows he’s the best.
“Even though Michael van Gerwen is – in my opinion – playing the best darts on the planet, everyone knows that the best player is Phil Taylor.”
During a dominant reign as No 1, Taylor won multiple titles and has quietly eased into contention in the Premier League, sitting just two points off Dave Chisnall in top spot.
The 54-year-old will try to hand out another humbling lesson to Van Gerwen this evening and Mardle feels the younger man should try to imitate Taylor’s unwavering composure on the oche.
“Phil Taylor is the man to beat, because he handles the stress and strains,” he said. “He’s been there for 25 years, that’s why he handles it better than anyone else, it’s second nature to him.
“You’ve got to look at what the best do.
“Michael van Gerwen is world No 1, but he’s not world champion again and again, so therefore he can still learn from the master, which is Phil Taylor.”
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