VAN MAN’S UP FOR BATTLE OF THE AGES
MICHAEL VAN GERWEN wants to be the daddy of world darts once more – just as the granddaddy is calling it quits.
Having become a father in the summer with the birth of daughter Zoe, Van Gerwen begins the defence of his crown when the William Hill World Championship starts tomorrow.
And as MVG, 28, takes to the oche aiming to win the title for the third time, this tournament will always be remembered as the farewell of Phil Taylor, who at 57 is retiring from competitive darts.
There is no hiding their public exchanges but Van Gerwen knows where ‘The Power’ stands in the history of the sport.
He said: “Phil Taylor made darts. Everyone who plays now, and competes for huge prize money, owes their career to Phil.
“At this moment, we don’t need him any more, because darts won’t go down without him, but he built the empire.”
The draw means Van Gerwen and Taylor can only meet in the final on New Year’s Day.
Of their verbal clashes, he added: “I always say you should look in the mirror first before you say anything. And, of course, there have been things said, most of the time from his side, because if I’ve got something to say to Phil, I’ll go up to him in the practice room and tell him. “I’ve never said a bad word about Phil Taylor. You have to believe in yourself if you want to win tournaments. “But it’s his choice whether he says things about me being a cry-baby or whatever, but I’ve got a big back. “Everyone knows there is a great rivalry between us – we don’t like losing against each other.” With a record £400,000 on offer to the Ally Pally winner, Van Gerwen faces a tricky opener when he meets fellow Dutchman Christian Kist, the 2012 BDO world champion. Taylor, the 16-time world champion and a grandfather of seven, plays his first match on Friday night against world No.38 Chris Dobey. ¬ The William Hill World Darts Championship will be broadcast live on the Sky Sports Darts channel from December 14 until January 1.