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World of Sport

01st Jan 2017

Michael van Gerwen has just delivered one of the greatest ever performances

The man is a freak

Conan Doherty

Michael van Gerwen, we’re not worthy.

An average of 114.05.

Six triple checkouts.

A dismantling of the guy with the highest losing average in World Darts Championship history.

Michael van Gerwen, ladies and gentlemen.

The world number one stunned the sports-loving community across the continent again on Sunday night with a crazy, crazy performance in front of an electric Ally Pally.

A new year, the same old Dutch man.

The great van Gerwen stormed into the World Darts Championship final to face off with Gary Anderson but his thrilling victory over Raymond van Barneveld was simply astounding.

Let’s get this straight: Barney threw an average of over 109.

109.

Over it.

Barney lost 6-2.

He lost.

There was just no stopping MVG in this one, you see. It was virtually impossible – ask Barney yourself.

A 15-year throwing average record held by Phil Taylor was blasted to tiny pieces by the Dutchman in London with a performance that even halted the Yaya/Kolo Toure chants, however briefly.

In a frighteningly ruthless display, van Gerwen was also one dart from walking away with a hefty financial spot prize when he was inches from double 12 as he tried to close out a magnificent nine-dart finish.

When he was under pressure, he hit a 124 checkout. He closed the legs when he was given half a chance to and he offered Barney no opportunities to ever have a second bite of the cherry. It was merciless. It was pure class.

The losing semi-finalist actually said afterwards, “I’m not good enough anymore” but in the cold light of day, he will realise that he himself put in a record-breaking display, he was just unfortunate to come up against a freak on the night.

Michael van Gerwen was unplayable, and everyone recognised that.

The stats were simply unbelievable.

The action was simply unmissable.

The man is simply unbeatable.

But the big questions still remain…

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