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.
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.