Mardle on Van Gerwen's World Matchplay win: "Never doubt a champion"

Wayne Mardle believes that Michael van Gerwen's triumph at the World Matchplay on Sunday is one of his best victories with the conclusion to never doubt a champion.

Van Gerwen produced a sensational comeback to deny Gerwyn Price 18-14 but for Mardle, he also believes it was very much MVG's B-C game.

"It does [make it one of his best]," Mardle said.

"I remember talking to Phil Taylor when he won here for the very last time and he couldn't believe he'd won. It was the most amazing win.

"When you win and you're the best player in the world - like Michael was from 2013 to 2019 - when you win you're expected to do that, it all comes very easily, or it seemed to come easily.

"When you really have to grind it out... he actually said before the final that he felt like the underdog, that's Michael van Gerwen talking! He's one of the best players the world has ever seen and he felt like that. So, to go out there and do it, you can only take your hat off to him."

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"Michael van Gerwen has won this event, I'm going to say, not playing anywhere near his best," he added.

"That was Michael van Gerwen in his pomp scoring, but in his doubles 'No'. So, there's improvement that's possible. To not win a major for two years, he's reeled off two of the three biggest events in world darts.

"Maybe, these two [Price and Van Gerwen] will meet in the World Championship final!? They're seeded one and three, so it would be one-three, two-four, that can happen which is quite exciting I have to say. But, there are a lot more darts to play yet!"

Before admitting that he has been proven wrong with his prior doubts about Van Gerwen coming into this past week.

"From a personal point of view, Wayne never doubt a champion again! Never doubt a champion," he concluded.

"We've said it before, they find a way. They're different to us mortals, who find a way to lose. Michael van Gerwen has found a way to win all week."