Kevin Doets knocks Michael van Gerwen out of the record books with a staggering average at the European Darts Trophy

Kevin Doets delivered a masterclass on Friday afternoon in the first round of the European Darts Trophy. The Sweden-based Dutchman handed Euro Tour debutant Jonas Masalin a painful 6-0 defeat.

The gap between the two players in averages was more than forty points. Masalin managed a disappointing 75.50 and was blown away by Doets, who produced a stunning 117.12. With a 12-darter in the opening leg, “Hawk Eye” was immediately in the groove. Masalin missed four chances to take the second leg, after which Doets doubled his lead via tops. He then stretched it to 4-0 with a 14-darter and another 12-darter.

Doets started the fifth leg modestly with a score of 45, but followed up with 180 and 140 to be on a finish after nine darts. On his fourth visit he took out 136 to make it 5-0. Doets then wrapped it up in style with an 11-darter, leaving his average at 117.12. That mark immediately set the highest average ever at the European Darts Trophy, surpassing the previous record held by Michael van Gerwen at 115.13.

Doets also narrowly missed out on the Euro Tour record. That belongs to Dave Chisnall with 118.66, set at the German Darts Championship in 2018. In ranking terms, Doets also made excellent progress. He sits just outside the provisional qualification spots for the World Matchplay, and with Cam Crabtree as his opponent in round two, Doets has a good chance to bank valuable pounds in the qualification race.