Michael van Gerwen begins World Darts Championship quest
Michael van Gerwen takes to the Alexandra Palace stage tonight as he begins his quest for a fourth World Darts Championship crown, facing Japan’s Mitsuhiko Tatsunami in the first round, reports BritPanorama.
The Dutchman has openly acknowledged the challenges he has faced over the past year. “I have had a tough year, probably my worst year ever,” Van Gerwen stated ahead of his match.
His difficulties largely stem from his separation from wife Daphne after more than a decade of marriage, a split that has clearly affected him both on and off the oche. The couple share two children — Mike and Zoe — and Van Gerwen took a step back from competition earlier this year to adjust to his new circumstances, even missing the World Cup of Darts during this period.
“I used to have a wife who helped me with things, but now when I have the kids, I have to look after them. So I have to adjust myself a little bit,” he explained. “My kids are always priority number one.” Finding that balance has not been easy for the 35-year-old, who recognizes he is entering a completely new phase of his life.
Currently ranked third in the world, Van Gerwen trails Luke Humphries and Luke Littler, who are seen as strong contenders for the championship title. He remains unfazed by their recent successes. “I’m not jealous of anyone,” he asserted. “I have been there, I have done it.”
Despite the challenges, Van Gerwen finds motivation in the competition. “Of course, it’s always nice to chase someone; it is easier than being hunted,” he noted, expressing comfort with pressure that has been a part of his career for two decades.
It’s been six years since Van Gerwen last lifted the Sid Waddell Trophy, a wait he is acutely aware of. Since his 2019 triumph, he has reached three finals but has fallen short each time, facing top competitors like Peter Wright, Michael Smith, and Littler. Reflecting on this period, he remarked, “We had coronavirus, we had a couple of other good dart players, a couple of mistakes by myself.” Still, his recent victory at the World Series Finals in Amsterdam, where he defeated Littler, showcased his enduring talent.
“I know what I’m capable of and when I’m sharp, I can play. I can still get to that level,” he asserted, reminding fans and critics alike that despite the turbulence, his competitive spirit remains intact.
As the championship unfolds, Van Gerwen’s narrative will be a focal point—a testament to resilience amid personal upheaval in the high-stakes environment of professional darts.
