Mervyn King hails "phenomenal" Michael van Gerwen

Mervyn King has described Michael van Gerwen as "phenomenal" after losing to the world number one in the final at the Dutch Darts Masters on Sunday.

King recorded an impressive three-dart average of 107.4 against Van Gerwen, but it was not good enough for the Norfolk thrower, who lost 6-4 and had to settle for the runner-up prize of £8,000.

"Michael's a phenomenal player and he showed today why he deserves to be the world champion and world number one," King told PDC TV. "He's a great champion.

"I gave it everything I've got, but he still made me look silly! He was too good today and he deserved to win."

King's route to the final saw him beat Dimitri van den Bergh, Kevin Thomas, Dave Chisnall and Ian White.