Van Gerwen recalls Taylor leaving him stunned with SIX straight 180s

MICHAEL VAN GERWEN revealed how Phil Taylor left him stunned during a bizarre practice session almost 20 years ago.

The world No9 was sitting with fellow Dutchman Vincent van der Voort as they watched Taylor in action and witnessed a ridiculous scoring spell.

16-time world champion Taylor kept smashing in maximums one after another, leaving Van Gerwen and Van der Voort convinced they were about to witness a nine-darter.

But Taylor simply continued finding the treble 20, eventually rattling off SIX 180s in a row.

Van Gerwen said on stream: “The most 180s I hit in a row? Four or five. But I can tell you a story. Me and Vincent [Van der Voort] back in the day, I think it has to be like 18 years ago.

“We were sitting on a chair and we were watching Phil Taylor practise. We saw him practising and he hit a 180, 180.

“We thought he was going for the nine-darter, no 180. Maybe now then? No, another 180.

“We saw him hit six 180s in a row. It was absolutely insane. I think the maximum I did in a row was four or something.”

Mighty Mike also believes teen sensation Luke Littler could eventually eclipse his own record at Alexandra Palace.

Van Gerwen lifted the Sid Waddell Trophy in 2014, 2017 and 2019, making him a three-time world champion.

But the 48-time major winner reckons Littler has what it takes to become the sport’s second-most successful player on the biggest stage of all.

He added: “We all know Littler is a good player. We all know that. Of course I think as well he is going to be a five-time world champion minimum.

“Depends how long he is going to play, of course. But minimum five with his capability.

“But don’t worry, I am there to stop him.”