A lot has changed since the last time Michael van Gerwen stood in a filled Ahoy. The darts player from Vlijmen got hopelessly out of shape, took his last major title more than a year ago and has now fallen to place 4 in the world ranking. But on Thursday evening he returns to Rotterdam as the leader of the Premier League. “I have quite a bit of talent.”
Despite that lesser period, 32-year-old Van Gerwen is not surprised that he leads the ranking. “It’s not that I suddenly play much better, but a lot more efficiently. That’s what it’s about: striking at the right time.”
Van Gerwen has not had any sleepless nights because of his form dip. “It’s just a matter of continuing to work hard, having faith in yourself and always going for it one hundred percent.”
Although, according to Mighty Mike, there is only one medicine that really helps you get back on your feet: “Winning matches and tournaments.”
It is also clear to Van Gerwen why the latter has not been successful in recent years. “Playing without an audience puts a very different kind of pressure. That certainly influenced the results. Suddenly there were a lot more players who won tournaments.”
It is therefore logical that he is overjoyed now that Ahoy will be filled to the brim again on Thursday. By the way, this is the first time since Raymond van Barneveld said goodbye to the sport. Barney has now made a comeback, but he is still short for a place in the Premier League.
“I now have to do it all by myself,” laughs Van Gerwen. “That creates extra pressure. But I look forward to the turnout. It will certainly give me goosebumps.”