Michael van Gerwen has proved, beyond all doubt, that he is the best darts player in the world. His World Grand Prix win crowned him as champion of the event for the second time, and has justified his number one ranking that he achieved back in 2013. After a crushing defeat to Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor in the World Matchplay final, in which he lost 18-9, MVG appeared to be undeserving of his ranking, with Taylor playing the better darts out of the two. However, the debate has surely been settled with this emphatic win in a tournament which has showcased high quality darts all week.

Despite van Gerwen’s win, he didn’t have the final all his own way. Wade, arguably playing the best darts of his career in the tournament after hitting a nine darter in the last 16, stormed into a two set advantage. Van Gerwen showed all the class that had earned him his number one ranking spot to level the match at two sets a piece. Wade, however, continued his heavy scoring and clinical finishing, to move 3-2 ahead. Van Gerwen responded, found an extra gear and rattled off three sets to become the champion. Wade’s resistance was obliterated.

Wade played consistently well all week, his strengths in hitting his doubles and ability to capitalise on his opponent’s mistakes. Beating Phil Taylor in the quarter final was of huge significance, not just to him, but also in the battle for the number one ranking position between Taylor and van Gerwen. Much like the final, Wade started strongly and established a two set to nil lead over Taylor. ‘The Power’ managed to win one set, but failed to find the extra gear required to launch a full scale come back unlike MVG in the final.

The rise of Michael van Gerwen is a remarkable achievement in the world of darts. After years of limited success after joining the PDC in 2007, he has suddenly found the next level. His Grand Prix win back in 2012 started things rolling and since then he has won the Premier League, the Players Championship, the World Championship and now this. He has become unstoppable.

Not only ha van Gerwen surpassed Taylor in terms of darting prowess, but over the years MVG has ramped up his walk on to challenge the Power. Seven Nation Army is the perfect walk on music.

Phil Taylor is definitely struggling to keep up with the Dutchman. Over the years Taylor has seen off many challengers – Priestly, Part, Barneveld and Lewis– but MVG is a new animal, one which Taylor is simply unable to cage. By no means has Taylor given up, saying “I’m trying to get my ranking back” after his 18-9 win over Michael, but after this tournament it is looking increasingly unlikely.