Michael van Gerwen explained what has been behind his poor form after returning to winning ways with victory at the Players Championship 27.
Last week’s shock first-round exit at the World Grand Prix stunned darts fans. But the Dutchman, who failed to win a single leg in his defeat to Daryl Gurney seven days ago, has bounced back in Wigan.
He claimed his third PDC ranking title in the space of a month with an 8-4 win over Gerwyn Price. And afterwards he opened up about his difficulties.
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“I was away for three weeks with different problems (illnesses),” said the 35-year-old about his early exit in Leicester. “It is frustrating but it is what it is. Sometimes health comes first, and I’m glad I won today.
“My energy levels have to be a little bit better, but overall I can’t complain, because these ProTours are very difficult, especially when you’ve already been doing this for 18 or 19 years.”
(Image: Getty Images)
Sky Sports commentators Wayne Mardle and Stuart Pike couldn’t believe their eyes when van Gerwen suffered the Grand Prix whitewash to world No. 26 and former champ Gurney.
The six-time double-in, double-out tournament winner – who last triumphed in 2022 – fell flat on his face at the Mattioli Arena, losing both sets 3-0 to his Northern Irish opponent.
With 186 remaining and already a set and two legs behind, Van Gerwen perplexingly pursued his first two treble 20s, firing in a maximum but leaving himself an awkward double three finish – diminishing his chances of claiming even a single leg in Leicester.
“What on earth? Honestly, though. Honestly! Leaving six, I don’t get that,” Mardle blurted out, bewildered by Van Gerwen’s play during commentary.
“Now he’s come back for the double that he will not like,” continued Mardle, as Van Gerwen’s first two darts narrowly missed the double three mark. “Now it’s awkward. This is all about the 180 he hit.”
With his final throw coming inside, and subsequently Gurney wrapping up the tie, Mardle couldn’t hold back his thoughts on MVG’s strategy, saying: “I’m sorry. I don’t care what you’ve won. You’ve got to question the board management on that 180.”
Mardle’s co-commentator, Pike, didn’t hide his thoughts either as MVG headed backstage, quipping: “Daryl Gurney has taken Van Gerwen to the cleaners in Leicester. The six-time champion has been dismissed, dispatched and destroyed on the big stage.
“One of the most embarrassing and humiliating defeats in Micheal van Gerwen’s career. Certainly one of the most embarrassing he’s ever suffered at the World Grand Prix.”
Van Gerwen, who won Players Championship 21 and the Hungarian Darts Trophy last month, came through a 128-man field with victories over Dylan Slevin, Scott Williams, James Wade, Luke Woodhouse, Jonny Clayton and compatriot Wessel Nijman.
The Players Championship double-header continues on Wednesday.