Michael van Gerwen plans to play darts for at least another 10 years and believes he is still a dangerous player for anyone at the World Cup.
Van Gerwen won his first match comfortably in a 3-0 win over James Hurrell at Alexandra Palace and will play Brendan Dolan straight in the third round. Sky Sports Darts on Saturday, December 28.
The Dutchman has not won a televised tournament in 2024, the first time since 2011 that he has not won a tournament in a calendar year.
“If you look at my rankings this year, I’m still in the top four. Can you imagine when I play well? I’ll be really dangerous,” Van Gerwen said.
“I’ve re-signed my contract with Winmau for another 10 years, so I’ll be in the arena a little longer and I’m enjoying what I’m doing. That’s the only thing that matters.
“If I don’t win two or three more world titles, I’ll be disappointed. But I know I can do it.”
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Van Gerwen made a fantastic 120 in his first match
Van Gerwen went through a period where he was almost unbeaten on the PDC Tour as he won three world titles in 2014, 2017 and 2019.
The 35-year-old was once tipped to match Phil Taylor’s record of 16 World Cups but now believes that is an almost impossible task.
“No, but you never know. I still love what I do, and as long as I continue to love what I do, we’ll see,” he said.
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Watch every nine shots at the PDC World Championship
“What else am I going to do, that’s the question I always ask myself, what else am I going to do?”
“I don’t have enough other things or hobbies to do in the meantime. Sure, my kids and my wife are really important in my life, but darts is a really big part of my life and everyone knows that.
“They know it’s my life. It’s not just because it’s my job. It’s my passion. It’s my life.” : I have been doing it for the last 25 years.
“I’ve been in the PDC for about 18 years and I’ve played God knows how many tournaments. So it’s not a struggle for me. It’s something I like to do.”
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Van Gerwen is still confident of his chances at the World Darts Championship despite underperforming this year
Van Gerwen. Big pressure on Humphries and Littler
Luke Humphries and Luke Littler are the two favorites for the World Cup, but they are set to meet in the semi-finals, so there will be no repeat of last year’s final.
Van Gerwen is not in their midfield and is favorite to reach the final from his section of the draw, especially after Gary Anderson was knocked out early.
“I still know that there are always eyes on my back because everyone wants to take me out of the tournament,” Van Gerwen said.
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We look at the impact Luke Littler has had since making his mark on the world stage this time last year
“Of course there will be a lot of pressure on the two Lukes (Humphreys and Littler), but that’s the way it is. You have to deal with the circumstances.
“If it’s right, I don’t care. I just have to make sure I keep performing. I’ll keep winning my games.
“When you do well, that’s the price you pay. And of course you want to be in the spotlight. And I think that’s what you want. Otherwise, you’re unprofessional, so simple.”
Watch the World Darts Championship on Sky Sports
Live darts are back! Sky Sports in PDC World Darts Championship After the Christmas break, with four consecutive double sessions at Alexandra Palace, starting on Friday, December 27.
World No.1 Humphries takes on Nick Kenny on Friday night, while reigning Premier League champion Littler headlines Saturday night when he takes on Ian White.
Elsewhere, Van Gerwen takes on Dolan (Saturday) and former world champion Gerwyn Price hosts Joe Cullen (Friday).
The players have New Year’s Eve off before the quarter-finals, which will take place over two sessions on New Year’s Day, with the semi-finals on January 2 and the final on Friday, January 3.
You can find the full schedule for this year’s tournament here here.
Who will win the Paddy Power World Darts Championship Watch every match exclusively live until January 3 on Sky Sports’ special darts channel. Stream darts and better sports with NOW!.
