Introduction: Michael van Gerwen’s Record-Breaking Year
2016 was a year that will forever be etched in the annals of darts history. It was the year that saw the meteoric rise of a certain Dutchman named Michael van Gerwen. In this post, we’ll take a trip down memory lane to revisit the highlights of van Gerwen’s record-breaking year. So, grab your darts, and let’s dive in!
A Year of Firsts
2016 was a year of firsts for van Gerwen. He started the year by winning his first PDC World Darts Championship, defeating reigning champion Gary Anderson. This victory not only marked his first world title but also made him the youngest player ever to win the PDC World Darts Championship at the age of 26. Talk about starting the year with a bang!
Breaking Records Left, Right, and Center
Van Gerwen didn’t stop at just winning titles; he was on a mission to break records. He set a new record for the highest televised average in a match, scoring an incredible 123.40 against Michael Smith in the Premier League. This feat surpassed the previous record held by Phil Taylor. But van Gerwen wasn’t done yet. He went on to break his own record later in the year, scoring an average of 123.50 in a match against Peter Wright. Now that’s what we call raising the bar!
Dominating the Darts Scene
Van Gerwen’s dominance in 2016 wasn’t limited to just the PDC World Darts Championship and the Premier League. He also won the UK Open, the World Matchplay, the World Grand Prix, the Grand Slam of Darts, and the Players Championship Finals. In total, he won an astounding 25 tournaments in 2016, setting a new record for the most PDC ProTour events won in a single year. It’s safe to say that 2016 was the year of van Gerwen!
Fun Facts and Trivia
Did you know that van Gerwen started playing darts at the tender age of 13? By the age of 14, he was already winning local competitions in his hometown of Boxtel, Netherlands. His rapid rise to the top of the darts world is a testament to his natural talent and relentless work ethic.
Another fun fact: van Gerwen is known for his signature green shirt, which has earned him the nickname “Mighty Mike.” But did you know that he wasn’t always a fan of the color green? He initially wanted to wear orange, the national color of the Netherlands, but another player had already claimed it. So, he settled for green, and the rest is history!
A Year to Remember
Michael van Gerwen’s 2016 season was nothing short of spectacular. From winning his first PDC World Darts Championship to setting new records for the highest televised averages and the most PDC ProTour events won in a single year, van Gerwen truly made his mark on the darts world. His record-breaking year is a testament to his skill, determination, and passion for the game. And while we can’t predict the future, one thing is for sure: Michael van Gerwen is a player who will continue to make darts history for years to come.
