Mardle believes Van Gerwen now firmly man to beat at Grand Slam of Darts: "Michael seems to be coming into form at the right time"

Michael van Gerwen produced a superb display which was measured in approach as he took down Josh Rock to move into the Quarter-Finals of the Grand Slam of Darts.

While many were waxing lyrical about Josh Rock, it was the display of Van Gerwen that caught Wayne Mardle's eye and he believes he is firmly the man to beat.

"He averaged 109 and had to do extraordinary things against Josh Rock. The way he went about his business tonight was the most important thing in my life is win this game, keep the emotions under wraps. Keep the energy in as you're going to need it," he said on Sky Sports.

"He never threw one quick dart in that whole game. That's the most controlled I've seen Michael since 2018 and 2019. I'm excited for Michael van Gerwen as Phil Taylor used to say I don't care about the first 10 months of the year. Yes there was the Matchplay, he used to say the World Grand Prix was getting him into the World Championship mode. Then this come around in 2007 so it was kind of the World Grand Prix, Grand Slam and the World's, that's all Phil Taylor was interested in."

"Michael seems to be coming into form at the right time and this is how things change, last night we were talking about Gerwyn Price being the man to beat. It's changed, it's Michael van Gerwen."