Michael van Gerwen watches his record get instantly broken as rival creates epic darts history

Kevin Doets produced a record-breaking performance in the first round of the European Darts Trophy on Friday.

The Dutchman had a day to remember in Goettingen, Germany, sweeping aside debutant Jonas Masalin 6-0.

official pdc

Doets showed the gulf inequality from the offset, posting an average of 117.12 compared to Masalin’s 75.50.

And that was enough to eclipse the record of 115.13 previously held by Michael van Gerwen.

Flying start

The writing was on the wall from the opening leg when Doets hit a stunning 12-darter to put himself firmly in the ascendancy.

He took advantage of Masalin missing four chances to take the second leg, by doubling his lead.

The Dutchman quickly moved 4-0 ahead with a 14-darter followed by a 12-darter.

After a slow start to the fifth leg, Doets quickly got up to speed to find himself on a finish after nine darts.

He then wrapped up the game in quick fashion with an 11-darter and an average of 117.12.

Doets’ heroics in Germany saw him narrowly miss out on the Euro Tour record.

British thrower Dave Chisnall remains the holder of that record with a whopping 118.66 set at the German Darts Championship in 2018.

But there was further good news for Doets on Friday as the victory secured him progress in the current rankings.

Getty

He now sits just outside the provisional qualification spots for the World Matchplay.

And with Cam Crabtree up next in round two, Doets could bank further points in the race to qualify.

Who else will be in action at the European Darts Trophy?

Meanwhile, Premier League stars Gerwyn Price, Stephen Bunting and Josh Rock will also compete in Germany this weekend.

Luke Littler, who recently secured a second-successive UK Open, will not be in attendance along with Nathan Aspinall, Gary Anderson and James Wade.

Luke Humphries and Jonny Clayton both pulled out of the event late on Thursday night, with the Welshman having picked up an ankle injury during his win in the Premier League on Thursday night.

Whoever reigns supreme at the European Darts Trophy will receive £35,000 in prize money.