MIGHTY MIKE IS MAN TO WATCH
WORLD DARTS MVG out to prove he’s the best
MICHAEL VAN GERWEN has revealed the mindset that has made him the man they all have to beat – he simply believes he is the best.
Van Gerwen, 27, makes his first appearance at this year’s William Hill World Championship tonight after an amazing 12 months.
Incredibly, he has won 25 titles since being knocked out in the third round of last year’s Worlds by fellow Dutchman Raymond van Barneveld, taking eight majors, including the Premier League and World Matchplay.
But more than anything, he wants the world crown again.
‘Mighty Mike’ has been so unstoppable in 2016 he can’t remember when he last entered an event thinking he might not win it. “It was a long time ago because I think I am the best,” said the 2014 world champion.
“You have to believe that if you want to win a tournament. If you do not think you are the best, you cannot win. It is impossible. I feel phenomenal and have so much confidence.
Bankroll
“When Phil Taylor and Gary Anderson go into games, they also think they are the best.”
So, is MVG darts’ equivalent of Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi?
He said: “I am doing really well, but to say I am the Lionel Messi of darts… I have won more than him! But I don’t have the same bankroll as him.”
Not that Van Gerwen is doing too badly, with career earnings of more than £4m.
Van Gerwen is last on tonight at the Ally Pally, meeting the winner of the preliminary match between Canada’s Ross Snook and Finland’s Kim Viljanen
He said: “Last year was a difficult defeat for me against Raymond.
“After that I have won 25 tournaments, but this is the biggest one you want to win.
“I am never going to win 16 world titles like Phil Taylor.
“I said always I want to win a minimum five. That’s my target still.”