Why Mighty Mike is the king of the board
Michael van Gerwen oozes confidence. He’s certainly not shy to label that quality as the key to what sets him apart in the highly competitive international darts scene.
The world No 1 and two-time world champion is on his third visit to New Zealand to contest the Auckland Darts Masters.
When he’s politely reminded he hasn’t won here, the sharpshooter from the Netherlands fires back instantly: ‘‘I will this weekend.’’
The bold prediction comes with a big smile across the 29-year-old’s engaging face that disguises any arrogance.
‘‘Confidence is a key in this sport. There are a few things . . . talent, ability, the mental aspect and confidence. The totally package has to be good to be a professional.
‘‘There’s not one way to throw darts, everyone has a different style. Mine is very fluid, there are no stops in between; it flows. It’s very rare that something goes wrong.’’
Nicknamed Mighty Mike but known more widely as MvG, he wins more than most. In the past two years his prize money of NZ$3,271,992 is more than double that of Peter Wright, the Scotsman who is ranked No 2 on the Professional Dart Corporation’s order of merit.
He has already won 14 major titles over the first half of this year.
Van Gerwen took the game by storm as a teenager. He began playing at 13 and became the youngest player to win a major darts title when he claimed the World Masters in 2006, aged just 17.
But it took him till 2014 to win his first world title. He was the youngest to achieve that honour – he was 24 at the time – and says that is a reflection of what is needed.
The age levels might be getting younger as the sport’s global popularity surges but van Gerwen insists: ‘‘This game takes time. It takes experience.’’
With that experience comes the knowledge of how to earn consistency.
Van Gerwen says he trains much less these days ‘‘because I don’t need to’’.
The former tiler who once worked on Dutch football star Dennis Bergkamp’s luxury home is proud to be at the pointy end of dart’s bright new era – international travel, stadium tournaments, and major television.
‘‘Years ago the pub owner was the manager. Now you have big teams around you, a management team, doctor, physio.’’
He works on his fitness and diet though admits that constant late night finishes can test that at times.
On a schedule that sees him spend about 250 days a year away from home, van Gerwen says staying mentally fresh is crucial.
‘‘You need to get your mind off darts,’’ he insists.
A lot of that comes naturally now as he enjoys fatherhood. He and his wife Daphne had their first child, daughter Zoe, last August, a birth that saw him miss the trip to New Zealand.
‘‘It’s nice to have your next step in life. I was ready for this step and I think my daughter gives me more motivation. I love being at home and spending time with her.’’
Van Gerwen is an avid football fan of Dutch club PSV Eindhoven. He also enjoys Formula One, following Dutch star Max Verstappen.
He likes fishing when he can, ‘‘especially deep sea fishing’’, and delves into his own motorsport in the form of go-karting when he’s home, pushing the limits with his cousins.
‘‘Yes, I’m competitive in everything, even Monopoly,’’ he says.
Like the board game, he knows about making big money in real life. Van Gerwen has an estimated wealth of around NZ$8 million.
His success on the boards, along with his recognisable bald head and trademark lime green shirt – ‘‘my favourite colour is actually blue’’ – have attracted major sponsorship deals.
Like all top darts players, van Gerwen is good with numbers. He has to be with the calculations changing with each throw.
‘‘It’s automatic for us, it’s something you grow up with.
‘‘You make the odd mistake. That’s nothing to do with your mathematics, that’s to do with your concentration or something else.
‘‘But when you are so front in like me, it doesn’t really matter.’’
Waratahs re-sign Gibson
NSW have re-signed Kiwi coach Daryl Gibson to a one-year contract extension following the Waratahs’ spirited run to the Super Rugby semifinals. Gibson will lead a revamped coaching team in 2019 with former Waratahs halfback Chris Whitaker replacing the departed Chris Malone as backs coach, while forwards coach Simon Cron will remain as part of the set-up. Whitaker returns to Sydney after serving two years as co-coach at French club Montauban.
Mitchell linked to England
Former All Blacks coach John Mitchell is reportedly favoured to join Eddie Jones’ coaching team with England. Reports out of South Africa say that Mitchell has been approached to fill the defence coach vacancy left by Paul Gustard leaving for Harlequins. Mitchell is the Bulls’ executive of rugby but has been at odds with his board over his demands for a bigger playing budget. The Bulls confirmed that an approach for Mitchell has been made. Jones wants to appoint both an attack and defence coach before the start of his next training camp on September 23.
‘‘Confidence is a key in this sport. There are a few things . . . talent, ability, the mental aspect and confidence.’’
Michael van Gerwen