Wayne Mardle on the World Darts: Two dartists to deliver a fitting finale

Wayne Mardle
02 January 2017

MVG can serve up a stunning final

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The two best players in the game go head-to-heat at ally Pally tonight and Wayne Mardle is predicting a stone-cold classic...

"Under pressure these two dartists seem to thrive, a trait that just make me even more convinced that this will be an historical match."

The Final - Michael Van Gerwen v Gary Anderson
Monday January 2, 20:10
Live on Sky Sports 1

What a tournament it has been! The best EVER perhaps?

And now we have a final to savour, featuring the two best players on the planet. It can't fail to deliver, can it?

I feel it's a little pointless telling you how good these two are. Gary is averaging just over 104 per throw, Michael's average is just shy of 106. Those are amazing stats.

The 114.05 from Van Gerwen in the semi-final was the highest ever recorded average in world championship history, beating the 111.21, set by Phil Taylor in 2002 versus Shayne Burgess.

The player on the end of Michael's exploits was fellow countryman, Raymond Van Barneveld, who himself set the record for the highest ever losing average in a world championship match, 109.34.

Meanwhile, Anderson was just brilliant against Peter Wright. The Flying Scotsman dispatched Snakebite from the tournament, winning 6-3. Gary dominated, having had darts at a double to win every set barring one.

So how do I see the final panning out? Well, I did tip MVG ante post, I'm not about to jump ship now.

I see a quality game playing out, with a minimum of 11 sets being played given the format is now the best of 13 sets.

I wouldn't rule out a record number of 180s, beating the high of 34.

I wouldn't rule out a nine darter.

I wouldn't rule out both players hitting 170 finishes either.

I know It must seem I'm getting a little carried away here but I'm seriously thinking that these two could produce a record-breaking game.

The records that this tournament has produced so far, it wouldn't surprise me one bit if Gary and Michael left us shaking our heads in disbelief.

Gary is going for the THREEPEAT. He's the twice and reigning world champ who will fight to the bitter end to stop Michael winning world title number two.

Under pressure these two dartists seem to thrive, a trait that just make me even more convinced that this will be an historical match.

Head to head, over the last 11 matches it's five wins apiece, and a bore draw.