Sunday 21 December 2014 16:41, UK
Wayne Mardle claims world No 1 Michael van Gerwen needs to become more dominant in matches if he is to become a back-to-back PDC title holder.
'Mighty Mike' survived a scare in his first round match against Joe Cullen before coming through 3-1 on the opening night at the Alexandra Palace.
The World Grand Prix and European Championship winner has has a mixed season on the PDC circuit and will be desperate to defend his crown in north London.
But Sky Sports expert Mardle feels the Dutchman 'goes to sleep' far too often in matches which could eventually come back to bite him later on in the tournament.
The former world championship semi-finalist said: "The thing is with world champions and champions in general is that they usually come up with something us mere mortals can't do - that is produce when they have to produce. That's what Michael did.
"He should be dominating players that average 93, that's no disrespect to Cullen. He should be averaging 100, rolling along, turning them over and making them look sub-standard because he is that good.
"He goes to sleep far too often in matches. You never see Phil Taylor look perplexed - he might look frustrated or annoyed. Michael has an ability that we don't see very often but he has to use it time and time again."
Van Gerwen will next face either world No 32 Stuart Kellett or qualifiers Kim Viljanen or Sascha Stein in the second round.
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