Thursday 23 April 2015 23:38, UK
Wayne Mardle believes Michael van Gerwen produced one of the best performances of his career in his 7-0 Premier League whitewash of James Wade.
The world No 1 supplied a blistering display on Night 12, ending with an average of 116.90, and ‘Mighty Mike’ also treated the crowd to a dazzling 154 checkout.
This dominant victory booked Van Gerwen’s place in the season-ending play-offs at The O2 Arena in London, although it proved a bittersweet evening for the Dutchman as he ended with a 7-5 defeat against Gary Anderson.
Despite the loss to Anderson, his conqueror in the World Championship semi-finals, Mardle believes Van Gerwen can take plenty of pride from his earlier demolition job.
“James Wade didn’t play well, but he wasn’t allowed to play particularly well,” said the Sky Sports expert.
“The way he performed there, that’s as good as I’ve seen him play on the big stage. He even admitted that he played well and he never does.”
Mardle’s praise was echoed by fellow pundit Rod Harrington, who was hugely impressed with Van Gerwen’s relentless scoring.
“That was an incredible game of darts,” he said. “When you’re standing behind a player like Van Gerwen and his first dart is always in the treble then you know the second one is going to follow and the third one.
“Fair play to James Wade, he still dug in there, but when he gets a chance like the 170, Van Gerwen takes out 154. That is Van Gerwen nearly at his very, very best.”
Phil Taylor sits one point above Adrian Lewis in fourth place after the pair battled to a draw, but Raymond van Barneveld moved within striking distance after a 7-5 win over Dave Chisnall.
Picking up a third straight win, ‘Barney’ is finding his form at the right time and Mardle has tipped the veteran to claim the last play-off place.
“I think it’s open for Barney,” he said.
“I think he’s playing extraordinarily well. It’s up to him. He’s got a game in hand and if he can win two next week, it’s in his hands.”
