A few months ago I was darts’ worst player.. now I’m best in the world
THEY said it was the end of an aura but now Clog Almighty is back.
And when Michael van Gerwen starts 2021 at Ally Pally tonight, the world No.1 is convinced he will be back on the highway to greatness after a few pit stops.
Whatever happens in MVG’s quarterfinal against Dave Chisnall in the PDC World Championship, he’s already unfurled one of the greatest matches in history and with it one of the most audacious comebacks.
Van Gerwen’s stunning 4-3 last-16 win over Joe Cullen, after trailing 3-1 plus surviving two match darts on the bullseye, was primetime gold and folk write him off at their peril.
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 ( five titles apiece) plus Phil Taylor (16) will have conquered the world more frequently.
Van Gerwen said: “I was in crisis, I couldn’t win a game any more.
“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 you have balls.
“I have won more than 100 tournaments but I have also lost too many games this year. The only medicine for losing is to win games.
“By my standards I was in crisis but I know what I am capable of and what I can do. When I fall short I blame only myself. It was difficult but I have been through hard times before and you have to look to the future. Only weak people look for excuses.”
What was going through his mind when Cullen, the “Rockstar” playing out of his skin, had him on the brink of defeat?
The Dutchman said: “I was thinking about booking a ticket back through the Eurotunnel! That was one of my toughest games at Ally Pally.”