Michael van Gerwen didn't hesitate when asked what's hardest out of scoring nine-darter, 147 break or hole-in-one
Darts number two Michael van Gerwen didn't hesitate after being asked about the much-debated topic.
Michael van Gerwen has given his take on whether it is harder to achieve a hole-in-one in golf, a nine-dart leg in darts or a 147 in snooker - and it will no doubt spark debate.
The 34-year-old world number two, who is regarded as one of the greatest darts players of all time, has thrown 10 televised nine-darters at PDC events in his career so far.
And the Dutchman continues to throw nines on a regular basis, including one at an exhibition tournament in Germany last month.
Van Gerwen is no stranger to achieving what many consider as the ultimate feat in darts but does he think a nine-dart leg is tougher than a 147 in snooker or a hole-in-one in golf?
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Speaking on the Happy Hour Podcast, he made his feelings clear, saying: "147. 100 per cent."
YouTube personality JaackMaate was convinced Van Gerwen would say a nine-darter. "I thought as a darts player, you would have said nine would have been the hardest."
But 'Mighty Mike' believes potting all 15 reds with 15 blacks for 120 points, followed by all six colours for a further 27 points, is tougher than nine perfect arrows.
"There are so many more factors," the Dutchman added. "I think the hole-in-one is the easiest. I know people who have done a hole-in-one who have a handicap of 15 or 16 but an average darts player can't get a nine-darter."
Snooker player Shaun Murphy, meanwhile, claims he is potentially the only person to achieve a hole-in-one, maximum break of 147, and a nine-darter on his sporting record.
Speaking to the From the Clubhouse podcast, he explained: “That is true and, currently, I think it’s a club of one. I don’t know anyone else who’s done all three.
"We did a funny Twitter poll because Wayne Mardle, the former pro darts player, is a good friend of mine and he’s a commentator on Sky now. We’ve played golf together and had a bit of banter and we always have the craic about what’s harder: is it the nine-darter or is it the 147?
“Now, obviously, it’s the 147. Anyone who says nine-darter needs to go and see a doctor immediately. But we have that bit of banter quite often and, the last time we did it, I think the hole-in-one got thrown in and it was, like, hang on a minute, I’ve done all three."
Murphy added: “I’ve only had one hole-in-one and I’ve only had one nine-darter but as I sit here talking to you, I’m not aware of anyone else who’s done all three. People can send their applications in any way they want. There’s lots of room to join the club.
“We were down in that neck of the woods (Royal Worlington) doing a charity snooker night. It was the 7th and we couldn’t see. It was quite misty still at that time. We hit good shots but didn’t get to see the ball go in the hole. We got to the green, couldn’t find it, checked the hole and there it was. I’ve been close on a few occasions since but never actually got one in."
Jack Kenmare