Michael van Gerwen is gearing up for the 2024 World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, where he aims to reclaim his title following a challenging year. Despite his impressive record against his younger opponent Luke Littler, van Gerwen acknowledges he's been struggling.
Van Gerwen, who has undergone one of his least fruitful years since 2011, has not won a significant televised tournament all year, falling short of his usual standards. With only two finals and two semifinals under his belt, the Dutchman admits, “I have under-performed this year.” Yet, he remains confident about his ability to perform when it counts most.
“Even when I am not playing my best I know it is not easy to beat me so I get a lot of motivation out ofthat,” van Gerwen shared with the PA news agency, emphasizing the psychological edge he believes he holds over Littler, whom he has faced 12 times, winning six meetings.
The upcoming championship takes place from December 20, with van Gerwen entering as the third seed. Known for his experience on this prestigious stage, he is set to encounter either James Hurrell or Jim Long, their dual resulting from the first round.
Despite the youthfulness dominating the sport of darts, including 17-year-old Littler’s rise, van Gerwen comments, “Of course, when you shake a bottle of milk, the cream alwayscomes to the top, I have shown in the last 15 years what I amcapable of.” He remains determined to turn his fortunes around, believing there’s still time before the competition begins to polish his game.
The importance of the World Darts Championship resonates deeply with van Gerwen. “It’s the biggest tournament of the year. Everyone islooking forward to it, especially me,” he declared to the PDC's official website. His need to focus on this tournament aligns with past performances, adding weight to his aspirations to remain at the top.
Van Gerwen’s confidence is juxtaposed with the reality of his recent results, which he acknowledges haven't been up to par. He is intent on channeling his experience: “You can’t compare the World Championship with anyother tournament.” He aims to prepare thoroughly, focusing fully on his approach to the tournament instead of dwelling on the past.
Encouragingly for the seasoned player, he understands the shift occurring within the sport, stating, “This isn’t where I want to be,” hinting at the self-driven pressure to rise back to elite status. He also recognizes he must maintain positivity to counter any negative spiral due to his recent performance.
Despite not lifting any major titles this year and currently being at the mercy of rising new champions like Luke Humphries and Littler, van Gerwen remains hopeful. He has taken comfort from his encounters with Littler, dating back to July when he triumphed at the World Matchplay.
Reflecting on his broader career, van Gerwen noted the challenge younger talent presents, acknowledging he has to adapt continually to retain his spot among the elite players. He confidently believes he can demonstrate his enduring potential with diligent yet strategic preparation leading up to the competition.
With just days to go until the World Darts Championship, van Gerwen aims to focus all his energies on the tournament. He said, “All my eyes are on the World Championship, and I’m going to work really hard to make sure I’m ready for my first match.” This resolve could mark a pivotal moment for his career, as he seeks another title and aims to reestablish his dominance on the oche.
Only time will tell if the reigning King of Darts can reclaim his throne, but one thing is clear: Michael van Gerwen’s determination remains unshaken as he steps up to the oche for one of the sport's biggest stages once again.
