According to Michael van Gerwen, the mediocre start is the reason he lost the World Cup final 7-3 to Luke Littler on Friday evening. “Much more was possible, but I made too many mistakes. That shouldn’t happen against a player of his caliber. I’m really disappointed, I failed myself.”
Littler got off to a great start at Alexandra Palace, taking an early 4-0 lead. And while Michael van Gerwen was not without a chance at the board. “I wasn’t sharp enough and missed doubles at crucial moments. That shouldn’t have happened, because I couldn’t get into the match properly. As a result, I fell behind big time, which sucks.”
“I never give up, I can do that like no other.”
Despite the 4-0 deficit, Van Gerwen remained confident of a good outcome. “I always believe in it one hundred percent. I never give up, I can do that like no other. I hoped to go one step further, and I did, but Littler just kept putting pressure on me. He has never once arrows on a double missed.”
READ ALSO: Michael van Gerwen loses World Cup final to youngest world champion ever
He was clear about Littler, the 17-year-old Englishman played fantastic. “I think he mentally played the best match of this tournament. He could say beforehand that he had no nerves, but there is certainly healthy tension in such a match. This boy has open-mindedness at its best. We can say that every 17 years a great person is born,” says the 35-year-old Vlijmen resident laughing.
Despite the defeat, Van Gerwen is not dissatisfied with his tournament. “I have come from far away and have had to work hard for this. Everyone has been surprised by the way I played this World Cup. With a lot of confidence, but I also dare to look at myself in the mirror when it is not good enough. That proud The feeling will come, now it feels especially sour. I know I have more to offer. I have to take this defeat on the chin.”
“People should always take me into account.”
It’s time for vacation now, but Mighty Mike wants to show you fun things for the rest of 2025. “There are so many wonderful things ahead. People should always take me into account. I hope I can give the journalists many more long working days.”