Michael van Gerwen plans to play darts for at the least one other 10 years and thinks he is nonetheless a harmful participant for everybody else on the World Championship.
Van Gerwen comfortably got here by means of his first match at Alexandra Palace with a 3-0 win over James Hurrell and can play Brendan Dolan within the third spherical, dwell on Sky Sports activities Darts on Saturday, December 28.
The Dutchman has not gained a televised match in 2024, which is the primary time he has not gained a match in a calendar yr since 2011.
“If you look at my rankings this year, I’m still in the top four or five. Can you imagine when I play well again? I will be really dangerous!” mentioned Van Gerwen.
He added: “I’ve re-signed my contract with Winmau for one more 10 years, so I shall be on the scene for slightly bit longer and I get pleasure from what I do. That is the one factor that counts.
“If I don’t win another two or three world titles, I will be disappointed. But I know I can do it.”
Van Gerwen went by means of a interval the place he was nearly unbeatable on the PDC Tour as he gained three world titles in 2014, 2017 and 2019.
The 35-year-old was as soon as touted to push Phil Taylor’s report of 16 World Championships however now thinks it’s a near-impossible activity.
“No, but you never know. I still love what I do, and as long as I keep loving what I do, then we’re going to see,” he mentioned.
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Watch each nine-darter hit on the PDC World Championship
“What else am I going to do? That’s my always the question I ask myself, what else am I going to do?
“I haven’t got sufficient different issues or hobbies to fill in all that point. After all, my children and spouse are actually vital in my life, however darts is a very large a part of my life, and everybody is aware of that.
“They know it’s my life as well. It’s not only that I do it because it’s my job. I also do something that I love. It’s my passion. It’s my life. I’ve been doing it for the last 25 years.
“I have been within the PDC for almost 18 years, and I had, God is aware of what number of tournaments I performed in. So for me, it is not a battle. It is one thing what I like to do.”
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Van Gerwen remains to be assured of his possibilities on the World Darts Championships regardless of underperforming this yr
Van Gerwen: A variety of stress on Humphries and Littler
Luke Humphries and Luke Littler are the 2 favourites for the World Championship however are on the right track to fulfill within the semi-finals, so there is not going to be a repeat of final yr’s ultimate.
Van Gerwen is just not of their half and is favorite to succeed in the ultimate from his part of the draw, particularly after Gary Anderson was knocked out early.
“I still know there’s always eyes on my back because everyone wants to get me out of the tournament,” mentioned Van Gerwen.
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We have a look at the influence Luke Littler made after making his mark on the world stage this time final yr
“Of course, there’s going to be a lot of pressure on the two Lukes [Humphries and Littler] as well, but it is what it is. You have to deal with the circumstances.
“If it is proper, left, I do not care. I simply want to ensure I maintain performing. I am going to maintain profitable my video games.
“When you do well, that’s the price you pay, you’re going to be in the spotlights. And of course, you want to be in the spotlight. And I think that’s good. That’s what you want. Otherwise, you’re not a professional, simple as that.”
Watch the World Darts Championship on Sky Sports activities
Stay darts returns to Sky Sports activities on the PDC World Darts Championship after the Christmas break, with 4 consecutive days of double periods on the Alexandra Palace beginning on Friday, December 27.
World No 1 Humphries performs Nick Kenny within the night session on Friday, whereas reigning Premier League champion Littler headlines Saturday evening when up in opposition to Ian White.
Elsewhere, Van Gerwen faces Dolan (Saturday) and fellow former world champion Gerwyn Worth entertains Joe Cullen (Friday).
The gamers have an evening off on New 12 months’s Eve forward of the quarter-finals held throughout two periods on New 12 months’s Day, with the semi-finals on January 2 and the ultimate on Friday January 3.
The total day-by-day schedule for this yr’s match could be discovered right here.
Who will win the Paddy Energy World Darts Championship? Watch each match solely dwell till January 3 on Sky Sports activities’ devoted darts channel. Stream darts and extra prime sport with NOW.
