I was in a crisis... now I’m best in the world
VAN GERWEN BACK ON TRACK
THEY said it was the end of an aura – but now Clog Almighty is back.
And when Michael van Gerwen rings in 2021 at Alexandra Palace tonight, the world No1 is convinced he will be back on the highway to greatness after a few pit stops.
Whatever happens in Van Gerwen’s quarter- final against Dave Chisnall at the William Hill PDC World Championship tonight, he has already unfurled one of the greatest darts matches in history – and one of the most audacious comebacks.
His breathtaking 4- 3 last- 16 win against Joe Cullen, after trailing 3- 1 and surviving two match darts, was prime- time gold.
When his form hit a few bumps in the road during 2020, a fourth world title seemed a distant prospect.
But if he lifts the Sid Waddell Trophy on Sunday night, only Raymond van Barneveld and Eric Bristow with five titles apiece and 16- time winner Phil Taylor will have conquered the world more frequently.
“I was in crisis, I couldn’t win a game any more,” said Van Gerwen. “A few months ago, I was the crappiest darts player in the world – now all of a sudden I’m the best player in the world again.
“When I lost to Simon Whitlock at the Grand Slam and the World Grand Prix, when I didn’t reach the Premier League play- offs, people said I was beatable. They got it wrong.
“That is how quick it can turn. What has changed? Self- belief. Concentrate on your own performance. Just do it, show everyone that you have balls.
“I have won more than 100 tournaments, but I have also lost too many games this year and the only medicine for losing is to win games.
“Everyone knows I am a strong player, and winning a fourth world title would mean as much to me as the first, second and third ones.
“I know who is in front of me, but by the time I’ve finished they will not even stand in my shadow.”
The title sponsors make Van Gerwen 8- 11 favourite to be crowned king of Muswell Hill again. Far from the sun setting on Van Gerwen’s reign, it could be the dawn of a new aura.