The 2023 World Cup of Darts begins in Germany on Thursday, as a record 40 nations battle it out in the annual festival of darts at the Eissporthalle in Frankfurt. Tournament preview! ✍️👇
The World Cup of Darts is the only PDC tournament where matches are played in pairs. In the past, especially the Dutch team with Michael van Gerwen and Raymond van Barneveld managed to excel in the doubles.
No fewer than five of the 10 highest pair averages at the Nations tournament are in the name of Van Gerwen and Van Barneveld. The three highest averages are all occupied by the Netherlands, one of which is an unofficial world record.
In 2014, the two Dutchmen threw an average of 117.88 against Northern Ireland. In addition, the Netherlands threw averages of 111.33, 109.33, 107.77 and 105.17 during the pair matches at the World Cup of Darts.
Australia (109.31 in 2022 and 108.41 in 2010), Belgium (105.48 in 2013), Poland (104.97 in 2021) and Wales (103.93 in 2021) are the other four countries in the top-10 with highest team averages.
There are likely to be some shifts in the positioning this year. Compared to previous years, only pairs matches will now be played, while all singles have been dropped. So more pair matches and therefore more chances for high averages in the doubles.
The 2023 World Cup of Darts is scheduled in Frankfurt from 15 to 18 June. Defending champion at the Nations tournament is Australia, which last year faced Wales in the final.
Top-10 highest averages in pair matches at World Cup of Darts
117.88 Michael van Gerwen & Raymond van Barneveld (2014)
111.33 Michael van Gerwen & Raymond van Barneveld (2017)
109.33 Michael van Gerwen & Raymond van Barneveld (2017)
109.31 Damon Heta & Simon Whitlock (2022)
108.41 Simon Whitlock & Paul Nicholson (2010)
107.77 Michael van Gerwen & Raymond van Barneveld (2016)
105.48 Kim Huybrechts & Ronny Huybrechts (2013)
105.17 Michael van Gerwen & Raymond van Barneveld (2017)
104.97 Krzysztof Ratajski & Krzysztof Kciuk (2021)
103.93 Gerwyn Price & Jonny Clayton (2021)
The 2023 World Cup of Darts begins in Germany on Thursday, as a record 40 nations battle it out in the annual festival of darts at the Eissporthalle in Frankfurt. Tournament preview! ✍️👇