27/12/2020

Van Gerwen produces sublime 106 average in thrilling victory over Evans

Michael van Gerwen has sent out a statement victory after the exit of Peter Wright from the 2020/21 PDC World Darts Championship.

For a second year in a row, he saw off Ricky Evans who played brilliantly but came up against a barrage from the Green Machine who came through in straight sets 4-0.

This was with a 106 average who hit seven 180's and a high checkout of 150 en route.

Evans like alluded to didn't disgrace himself with six 180's and 50% on the doubles but he couldn't claim a salvo just like last year.

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It was very much blink and you’ll miss it in the opening set as Van Gerwen pinned a 10-darter and a 92 checkout to claim the first set 3-1 despite Evans having chances including to break to force a decider.

It went with throw to begin the second set with Evans missing double 11 for a 124 but he returned for the same target to make it 1-1.

He hit 180 to leave 77 with Van Gerwen not on a finish. He was next time around smashing in 134 to leave 60 but ‘Rapid’ wasn’t messing about breaking throw to go one away from making it 1-1 in sets.

He missed the bull for a 167 but this proved in vein as Van Gerwen smashed in 150 to make it 2-2 and break back immediately and go towards a 2-0 set lead.

This was achieved with a 62 checkout for an 11-darter as Mighty Mike’s average topped 108. Evans continued to fight but he was only given 170 on his throw with Van Gerwen down to 41 which he pinned to hit the front in set three.

Van Gerwen didn’t get a dart from 72 and it was Evans turn to punish with an 87 checkout. This spurred him on and a 180 left 91 which he pinned on double 20 to go one away from a set back.

Evans made it five 180’s but Van Gerwen didn’t go for 164 and it paid off as he pinned double 16 with the Kettering ace unable to take out 170.

It was Van Gerwen’s fifth 180 as his average went up towards 110 and again he gambled on Evans not taking out 156 and again it worked as he went 3-0 up.

A misjudgement when going for the finish was eroded by Van Gerwen as he pinned double 16 to hit the front in the fourth.

A 97 checkout saw him go one away with a break. Evans hit 171 to leave 135 but this was also hit by Van Gerwen, he missed double 14 but was back with Van Gerwen missing 88 on the bull.

Evans broke on double one and followed it up with a 180 and it was a 14-darter despite Van Gerwen pressuring with 180.

Van Gerwen missed the chance for a 130 checkout but was back next time around with double eight to claim the victory.