His extensive ties to the state of Ohio

Michael van Gerwen says the ever-improving standard of darts is part of the reason for his world record average in Aberdeen last week. The Dutchman was at his blistering best to set a new highest benchmark of 123.4 in a 7-1 victory over a shell-shocked Michael Smith.The plaudits have been flying in for Van Gerwen with Sky Sports expert Wayne Mardle saying he is now setting the benchmark with his averages and title victories - the world No 1 has won three of the six UK Open qualifiers as well as defending his Masters and Dutch Masters titles already this year. Mardle marvels at MVG Wayne Mardle on MVGs record breaking night The nights average in Aberdeen was 103 and while delighted with his own mark, it is the bar being raised across the board driving him on to great heights.It was just one of them things! I got two points and a good performance of course but I need to show it again this week, van Gerwen told Sky Sports. Sky Live: Premier League We preview Thursday nights action in Exeter I cant afford any mistakes. I hope I can bring the good performance from last week through to this week. I try to put on a new level but everyone is playing on a different level now. Everyone is playing better so I have to try my best every game.The standard is getting higher and higher and you need to make sure you prepare for that and you cant make any mistakes against anyone. Van Gerwen was quick to point out he wants to be able to better his mark, joking that he would be forced to bow out at an unprecedented level had he pinned a double 18 for an average of 136: But then I would never have a chance to break my record again.Then that would be the end of the road for me! Of course you want to have the highest performance, but 123 was still a fantastic performance and I was happy with that.Up next for the world No 1 is top-of-the-table Peter Wright, but MVG admits Snakebite hasnt been at his best despite an unbeaten opening four weeks. Mystic Mardle Wayne reveals his predictions for Exeters matches He is unbeaten but he is not playing really well to be fair, van Gerwen added.He got away in two of his games, against Raymond [van Barneveld, won 7-5] and against Robert Thornton [drew 6-6] last week. Raymond should have definitely beaten him and Robert had a chance to beat him - his confidence must be high but I just need to do one thing and that is play very well.Van Gerwen has recovered well from losing his opening match to James Wade in Leeds and while he is targeting top spot, it is about being in the play-offs and final at the end of the regular league format. van Gerwen reflects on his amazing performance in Aberdeen A win takes me back where I belong! There is an extra prize to be top of the table and I have been top of the table in the last three years and I hope I can make it four in a row, the 2014 world champion added.My first game in the Premier League was a disaster, I lost two points and just gave it away but after that I have picked it up really well.It doesnt matter in the early weeks, you cant win all the games, no one has ever done that and I dont think anyone ever will. The most important things is to hold the trophy in the air in May. Doesnt matter how you win, just as long as you win. Get a Sky Sports Pass Dont miss the Darts! Watch live on NOW TV for ￡6.99. No contract. Also See: Mardles PL predictions Sky Live: PL night five Rod recalls greatest match WATCH: Taylor-Lewis classic Davante Adams Super Bowl Jersey . Perhaps Carroll was so prepared for a break because he believes there is very little the Seattle Seahawks need heading into the off-season. "I dont see anything that we need to add. We just have to get better," Carroll said. Kyler Fackrell Super Bowl Jersey . Halladay signed a one-day contract with the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday that allowed the veteran right-hander to retire as a member of team with which he broke into the majors and spent the bulk of his distinguished 16-year career. http://www.packersonlineteamstore.com/blake-martinez-youth-jersey.html . It might not have mattered. While the Dodgers are preparing for the playoffs, the Padres showed their future has promise behind two rookies. Packers Super Bowl Jerseys . The Vikings announced Thursday that Priefer will be one of seven holdovers from the previous staff, along with offensive line coach Jeff Davidson, wide receivers coach George Stewart and others. Norv Turner will mark his 30th year of coaching in the NFL as the offensive co-ordinator, as widely reported for weeks, and George Edwards will be the defensive co-ordinator. Preston Smith Super Bowl Jersey . "Hes going to have hip surgery on Jan. 7, and hell be expected to rehabilitate for four to six months beyond that," Canucks general manager Mike Gillis said Friday in an interview. The Cincinnati Bearcats have hired?Ohio State?defensive coordinator Luke Fickell as their next head coach, the school announced Saturday.Fickell and the school reached agreement on a six-year deal late Friday night. The contract is pending approval from Cincinnatis board of trustees during a special meeting Sunday.Its with much pride and humility that I accept the awesome honor of becoming the head coach at the University of Cincinnati, Fickell, 43, said in a statement. This city, this school and my family are all Ohio. Its a tough blue-collar state with hard-working, blue-collar people that respect an honest and complete effort. Thats what they will get from me personally and what they should expect from this football program.Fickell replaces Tommy Tuberville, who resigned after going 4-8 in his fourth season and 29-22 overall at Cincinnati. Fickell interviewed with Cincinnati athletic director Mike Bohn on Thursday.Fickell will remain with No. 3 Ohio State for the remainder of the season, starting with the Buckeyes upcoming matchup with No. 2 Clemson in the College Football Playoff semifinal at the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl.We targeted a number of criteria we wanted in our head football coach and we were looking for the coach who was the best fit for our program, our University and our community and we have found that leader in Luke Fickell, Bohn said in a statement. His extensive ties to the state of Ohio, experience at a championship-level program in Ohio State, ability to evaluate and develop talent, energy and leadership are all qualities which set him apart.Above all else, hes a model of integrity and a great family man and we look forward to partnering with him to continue to build upon our winning tradition.Fickells biggest challenge wwill be to fix Cincinnatis issues on offense.ddddddddddddThe Bearcats scoring offense (19.3 points per game) ranks 120th out of 128 FBS schools this season.A Columbus native and former Ohio State defensive lineman, Fickell has coached at his alma mater since 2002, serving as Buckeyes defensive coordinator in some capacity in all but one season since 2005. He also coaches Ohio States linebackers.Fickell was Ohio States head coach during the 2011 season following the Memorial Day resignation of Jim Tressel amid an NCAA investigation. Ohio State went 6-7 that season and then hired Urban Meyer. Fickell interviewed for the head-coaching vacancy at Pitt before remaining with the Buckeyes as co-defensive coordinator.Today is a proud day for Ohio State and Buckeye Nation with the news of Luke Fickell becoming head coach at the University of Cincinnati, Meyer said Saturday via statement. Few have invested as much time and effort and passion into Ohio State and its football program than Luke. We all knew this day was coming. Now that it is upon us, I want to thank Luke for being such a terrific coach, mentor and person. And I wish him, Amy and their young family all the best as they begin this new journey.Sources say Cincinnati also had targeted Jeff Brohm and P.J. Fleck for its opening. Brohm opted to leave Western Kentucky for Purdue, and Fleck didnt have interest in the Cincinnati job and likely will remain at Western Michigan, where hes expected to receive a restructured contract.Fickell is the third assistant from Ohio States 2014 national championship team to land a head-coaching job, joining Tom Herman and Chris Ash. ' ' '