Michael van Gerwen has recovered from ankle injury for European Championship
Dutchman was forced to withdraw from last weekend's German Darts Masters due to the effects of bursitis in his ankle
Wednesday 25 October 2017 13:57, UK
Michael van Gerwen has declared himself fit to challenge for a fourth successive European Championship title after recovering from his ankle injury in time to compete in Belgium this weekend.
The World Champion has been receiving treatment for the problem since returning home, and will defend his title this weekend at the Ethias Arena in Hasselt.
Van Gerwen aims to extend his winning run at the European Championship to a fourth successive year - matching Phil Taylor's record from 2008-2011.
I've had a good rest since the weekend and had some treatment for my ankle and it's feeling a lot better now
He faces an all-Dutch first-round tie when he meets Jan Dekker in Thursday's opening night, and the number one seed said: "I'm looking forward to getting back playing and I hope I can win this title again.
"I've had a good rest since the weekend and had some treatment for my ankle and it's feeling a lot better now. I've been practising again and I'm feeling good, so I'm focused on the European Championship now.
"It's been special to win this title three years in a row and it would be a great achievement if I can make it four titles because only Phil Taylor has ever done that before."
Last weekend's German Darts Masters winner Peter Wright bids to follow up his 11 tournament wins this year with another TV title.
The world No 3 plays Polish star Krzysztof Ratajski as the first round continues on Friday afternoon, and is in confident mood after reaching the semi-finals for the past two years in Hasselt.
"I can't wait," said Wright. "I hadn't been able to practise much before we went to Germany so that may be the trick, or using a brand new set of darts like I did last weekend.
"We'll see what happens in Belgium. I always dig deep and try not to give up in a game and I got lucky last weekend."
Last year's European Championship finalist Mensur Suljovic takes on Kim Huybrechts in one of the high-profile first round ties, while the Belgian's elder brother Ronny takes on Welshman Gerwyn Price.
European Championship
First Round
Thursday October 26 (7pm UK time)
Gerwyn Price v Ronny Huybrechts
Alan Norris v Mervyn King
Ian White v Darren Webster
John Henderson v Kyle Anderson
Simon Whitlock (8) v James Richardson
Mensur Suljovic (4) v Kim Huybrechts
Michael van Gerwen (1) v Jan Dekker
Jelle Klaasen (5) v Christian Kist
Friday October 27
Afternoon Session (12.45pm UK time)
Jonny Clayton v Dimitri Van den Bergh
Dave Chisnall v Cristo Reyes
Benito van de Pas v Vincent van der Voort
Daryl Gurney v Steve Beaton
Michael Smith (3) v Nathan Aspinall
Rob Cross (6) v Martin Schindler
Joe Cullen (7) v Stephen Bunting
Peter Wright (2) v Krzysztof Ratajski
Evening Session (7pm UK time)
Second Round x4
Saturday October 28 (7pm UK time)
Second Round x4
Sunday October 29
Afternoon Session (12.45pm UK time)
Quarter-Finals
Evening Session (8pm local time, 7pm UK time)
Semi-Finals
Final
The Grand Slam of Darts gets underway live on Sky Sports as the best of the PDC compete against the best of the BDO - the action from the Wolverhampton Civic Hall begins on Saturday, November 11 with a double session.
Keep up to date with the news as the tungsten enters its busiest time of year with the PDC World Championships just around the corner get all the latest at www.skysports.com/darts and join in the conversation @SkySportsDarts.
