Michael van Gerwen opens up about his newborn child... and being the wise, old head for young prospects
Monday 2 October 2017 06:45, UK
Michael van Gerwen talks fatherhood, Phil Taylor's absence and doubling in Dublin.
You've had a busy summer…
I became a father in August so I was busy. Life has changed but I'm back on track - playing darts, doing my usual thing.
It's different with a kid but I've got a fantastic wife who looks after our kid when I'm away. It's the next step in life. I'm really proud.
I've not yet won a major as a father but there's a big tournament, the Grand Prix, which I'm really looking forward to. It's different to the rest of the tournaments. It's fantastic, we get great support so I hope to win it again.
You've recently won PDC titles in the Netherlands and Germany…
Back to winning ways. You have to play well to win those tournaments.
But you lost to Phil Taylor in the Champions League of Darts…
I didn't play well. It's just one of those things - you can't play well all of the time, you know what I mean? These are very tough, difficult tournaments and they are all over the world. You have to perform which takes a lot of energy.
How does the unique Grand Prix format make things different?
It's not too difficult. We're used to throwing doubles at the end of legs, so why can't we start with it? You need to change your focus a bit, but the rest is automatic so it's not a big change.
What's your favourite Grand Prix memory?
When I won my first Grand Prix against Mervyn King I was 4-1 down in sets and beat him 6-4, which was amazing. But every game is something special - you always need to work hard, no matter what tournament it is.
Do you like Dublin?
Yes, it's nice. I've played so many times in Dublin. We go everywhere and I'm not bothered where I play - I just want to perform for my fans.
Do you like Guinness?
No, I've never tried beer in my life. I wouldn't like it.
There's no Phil Taylor at the Grand Prix…
Unfortunately he pulled out. What can you say? Maybe it's too much travelling for him. Unfortunately, he isn't here.
Is that strange?
Yes, he's never skipped the Grand Prix before. You can see he's playing less and less tournaments but the Grand Prix is a huge one. But the reason why he's skipped it? I don't know, but I'm sure he's got a good reason.
You're now the elder statesman of the tour…
Sometimes young players come to me for advice but it's difficult. Mentally, I can give advice. But it's difficult for a darts player to tell another darts player how to throw.
If we all try to throw like Phil Taylor or Raymond van Barneveld then it's not possible. Everyone has a unique style, everyone is different.
Is this a warm-up for the World Darts Championship…
… There's about 28 tournaments in between…
… 28 trophies for you?
I hope so!
Van Gerwen kicks off the World Grand Prix on Sunday night, live at 7pm, on Sky Sports Main Event & Arena.
QUIZ: VAN GERWEN RATES HIS RIVALS - Can you guess who MVG is describing? Click on the pictures below for the answer to be revealed.
