Darts sensation Michael van Gerwen recently delivered a performance for the ages, achieving an astonishing 122.34 average – the fifth highest ever recorded in Players Championship history. This remarkable feat is incredibly rare, marking only the tenth time a player has surpassed a 120 average in over 31,000 games. While a monumental achievement, four other players have managed even higher averages. Meanwhile, the same event saw veteran Andrew Gilding, at 55, finally clinch his first-ever Pro Tour title, a testament to perseverance.
Michael van Gerwen’s Near-Perfect Performance
Michael van Gerwen, often hailed as one of darts’ greatest, recently added another breathtaking chapter to his illustrious career. He recorded an astounding 122.34 average in a Players Championship tournament, a number that immediately sent ripples through the darts world.
Understanding a 122.34 Average in Darts
To grasp the magnitude of Van Gerwen’s achievement, it’s essential to understand what an average signifies in darts:
- An average calculates the average score a player achieves per three darts thrown in a match.
- Typically, a 100+ average is considered world-class, indicating consistent high-level play.
- A 122.34 average means Van Gerwen consistently hit scores like 180s (three treble 20s), 140s, and 100s, barely missing his intended targets over an entire match. This reflects an almost flawless display of accuracy, precision, and relentless scoring.
A Rare Feat Among the Elite
Van Gerwen’s 122.34 average isn’t just impressive; it’s historically significant:
- It stands as the 5th highest average ever recorded in Players Championship tournaments since detailed tracking began with DartConnect.
- Achieving an average of 120 or higher is exceptionally rare. This particular performance marks only the 10th time in approximately 31,000 recorded games that such an astronomical average has been reached by any player.
Despite this incredible achievement, the annals of darts history show that four other players have managed to surpass even this monumental figure, pushing the boundaries of what’s considered possible on the oche. Their names remain etched above Van Gerwen’s, for now, in this specific category, highlighting the supreme peaks reached in the sport.
Andrew Gilding’s Triumph: Patience Rewarded at 55
While Van Gerwen was making headlines with his scoring prowess, another heartwarming story unfolded at the same event. Veteran darts player Andrew Gilding, at the age of 55, achieved a significant milestone:
- He secured his first-ever Pro Tour title.
- Gilding, known for his calm demeanor and steady play, expressed his long wait for this moment, stating, “I’ve waited a very long time for this, but my patience was finally rewarded.”
- This victory is a powerful reminder that dedication and perseverance can lead to success at any stage of a player’s career, making his win a popular and inspiring moment for many in the darts community and a testament to the enduring spirit of competition.
Source: Based on an article from News – Dartsnieuws.com.
