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. 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SUNDERLAND, England -- Romelu Lukaku fired an 11-minute hat trick to end his 11-game Premier League scoring drought in style as Everton beat Sunderland 3-0 on Monday.The Belgium striker struck with 60th and 68th-minute headers and then completed his hat trick with 19 minutes remaining at the Stadium of Light to condemn former Toffees boss David Moyes to a third defeat in four matches this season.Sunderland might have taken a 10th-minute lead when Adnan Januzajs shot was blocked and looped perfectly into the path of Jermain Defoe, who sent his first-time volley over the bar.Lukaku broke through for Everton when Idrissa Gueye crossed from the right and he rrose unopposed to head past Sunderland goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.ddddddddddddThe Belgian rattled the crossbar after turning smartly four minutes later, but made sure of victory when summer signing Yannick Bolasie picked him out unmarked at the far post.The home sides misery was complete in the 71st when Lukaku helped himself to a third after Kevin Mirallas had played him through on Pickford.Revitalized under Ronald Koeman, unbeaten Everton has 10 points, the same as second-placed Chelsea.Sunderland is 19th with a single point. 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