Michael van Gerwen is competing in the Grand Slam of Darts this month for the fifteenth time in his career. In each of the last 11 editions, 'Mighty Mike' managed to survive the group stage.
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In the past ten years, Van Gerwen has proved virtually unbeatable in the group stage. Since the 2012 edition, the Dutchman suffered only one defeat during the first round.
During the 2018 edition, Jonny Clayton ensured this rarity by beating Van Gerwen 5-4. Van Gerwen, by the way, did throw an average of 107.92 in that match.
The chances of the three-time Grand Slam champion getting through his group unbeaten again this year are pretty significant. With Ross Smith, Luke Woodhouse and Nathan Rafferty, Van Gerwen's draw for the group stage of the Grand Slam of Darts 2022 was particularly favourable.
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of DartsNews.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy across professional darts coverage. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces, playing a central role in the development and daily operation of the site.
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📊 In the last 10 years Michael van Gerwen has lost one match in the group stages of the Grand Slam of Darts 🤯
It was to Jonny Clayton in 2018 (he averaged 107.92 in defeat).
Short format 🤷♂️ 😆 🟩