Three-time world champion Michael van Gerwen has launched a bold psychological salvo ahead of the PDC World Darts Championship, declaring he is the one player the teenage favourite Luke Littler will want to avoid.
Van Gerwen's Bold Declaration
The Dutchman, who begins his campaign for a fourth Alexandra Palace crown against Japan's Mitsuhiko Tatsunami on Thursday night, was unequivocal about the fear factor he believes he still possesses. "Ask Luke Littler who he doesn't want to play. He will definitely say my name," stated a bullish Van Gerwen. "One hundred per cent. And if he doesn't, he's lied. That's the way it is."
Despite a difficult year on the oche following his defeat to Littler in last year's final, Van Gerwen dismissed the bookmakers who heavily favour Littler for a second title, possibly in a final against Luke Humphries. "The bookmakers have been wrong over the past so many times, so let me do it again," he challenged, emphasising the unique pressure of the World Championship stage.
A Year of Personal Challenge
Van Gerwen's 2025 has been marked by significant personal upheaval, including a divorce, which he admits impacted his performances. He revealed the challenge of finding a new balance while juggling childcare responsibilities. "I've had a tough year. Everyone knows I have had a really tough year, on and off the oche," he conceded.
However, the 35-year-old is confident he is turning a corner. "It's 100 per cent a new chapter. A chapter I've never faced in my life as well," Van Gerwen explained. "When I am home now, and the kids are there, I have to look after them... That's all new for me. That will fall in place. That takes time but I know I'm capable of doing that, easy."
Focus on the Ally Pally Prize
With his personal life stabilising, Van Gerwen's focus is firmly back on darts' biggest prize. He believes the intense atmosphere of the World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace plays to his strengths and experience. "The Worlds are a different kind of pressure, atmosphere, everything, attention, so we're going to see what's going to happen there," he said, reminding everyone of his proven pedigree.
As the tournament gets underway, all eyes will be on whether Van Gerwen can navigate the draw and engineer a potential showdown with Littler, to prove his provocative claim correct and launch a serious bid for a fourth world title.
