Michael van Gerwen set a new record average on an epic Premier League Darts night in Aberdeen
Friday 4 March 2016 08:57, UK
Michael van Gerwen produced a record-breaking performance in one of the finest nights of action in Premier League history.
The Dutchman recorded the highest average in a televised match during his 7-1 win over Michael Smith, but Van Gerwen's magical performance was not the only match to savour as Phil Taylor and Gary Anderson added to an epic evening.
MVG makes history
The world No 1 gave a thrilling demonstration of why he is the sport's finest player, ending with an average of 124.3 following his darts demolition job against Smith.
Van Gerwen has replaced Taylor as the dominant force in darts and he wiped away the previous record of 118.66 by 'The Power' which was set against Kevin Painter at the 2010 UK Open.
MVG's mark could have been even better as he missed match darts while on an average of 136 and Sky Sports expert Wayne Mardle believes he can improve his own record.
"Like Michael said, he knows he can get better," said Mardle. "He can hit a 136 average, because he had a chance at it. Just amazing."
The best ever?
'Mighty Mike' served up the highest display of scoring in front a TV audience, but Taylor also averaged 115 in a thrilling 7-5 win over Dave Chisnall, who ended on 109 himself.
Such high-scoring antics took the attention away from Anderson's triumphant homecoming and the Scotsman did not disappoint his own fans, sealing a 7-3 win over Raymond van Barneveld in a cauldron of noise.
There was also terrific tension as Adrian Lewis and James Wade missed 14 match darts between them before 'Jackpot' finally closed out a 7-5 victory.
"It's the smallest crowd that they play in front of, but for me it's one the best night I've ever witnessed in the Premier League and any other night," said Mardle.
Taylor hitting top form
After one of his records was erased from the history books, Taylor seemed determined to steal some of Van Gerwen's thunder when he followed his rival onto the oche.
The 16-time world champion captured the crowd's attention as he twice attempted a nine-darter, falling short with his seventh dart on both occasions.
But Taylor powered to his third straight victory, which included a 126 checkout, and the 55-year-old admits he is still spurred on by a desire to compete with Van Gerwen.
"He's phenomenal, he really is," said Taylor. "I'm not frightened of Michael, he inspires me."
Anderson's happy homecoming
The defending champion was still searching for his first Premier League points as he headed back to his homeland and seemed a little unnerved by his rapturous welcome.
As the crowd chorused his name, Anderson traded early legs with Van Barneveld, but the two-time world champion gradually began to show his class and pulled away for a comfortable 7-3 win.
A draining virus has disrupted Anderson's preparations for his title defence, forcing him to miss the opening night, and 'The Flying Scotsman' admitted he is still below his best.
There was good ones and bad ones, I was really shaking. I got away with it tonight
"I've tried the last few weeks, not been a well man, but back in Scotland - this is what it's all about," Anderson told Sky Sports.
"There was good ones and bad ones, I was really shaking tonight. I got away with it tonight."
Making it Wright
Amid all the darts drama, it's easy to forget that Peter Wright retained top spot in the Premier League.
The enigmatic 'Snakebite' opted to change his darts yet again to the dismay of Sky Sports expert Mardle and struggled with his new equipment against Robert Thornton.
But Wright conjured up a moment of quality when he needed it, working down to a finish with a 174 in the decisive leg, and is yet to suffer a defeat this season.
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