Sport
Michael van Gerwen sets sights on Phil Taylor record
Mighty Michael van Gerwen admits he’s going “insane” as he aims to match Phil Taylor’s magical six Premier League titles. The dynamic Dutchman has dominated the event since 2013, reaching the final in every appearance since he first qualified.
He’s also finished top of the league every year but missed out on glory in the final for two years against Raymond van Barneveld and Gary Anderson in 2014 and 2015.
However, van Gerwen is currently one point behind Glen Durrant at the top with the league on hold due to the Coronavirus crisis. That hasn’t stopped the mean, green winning machine focusing on chasing his fifth successive Premier League title and also looking to equal Taylor’s record of six wins in the competition.
Speaking exclusively to Phil Lanning on behalf of Colossus, van Gerwen said: “In the Premier League it’s not about luck, it’s about consistency. I know there’s still more in the tank and some bits and pieces I can improve which only gives me more motivation.”
“I always want to aim for perfection. Of course that’s something insane sometimes, but you need to make sure you do anything in your possibility so you don’t make any mistakes and I think I’m doing quite well. I don’t have to prove anything because I know what I’m capable of. When I play my game, they don’t have a chance. Simple.”
“People shouldn’t doubt me. I know where I my strengths are and my weaknesses and I’m a complete player. When something doesn’t go my way I know what I have to do to make sure it goes my way again.”
Van Gerwen has surprisingly lost two matches so far, to Nathan Aspinall and Michael Smith, he also had to ride his luck a little in the UK Open final, recovering from 5-1 down to defeat Gerwyn Price. But considering he is still settling in to new darts with Winmau, it just proves what a sensational player he is.
He added: “There’s nothing for me to prove, I just need to make sure I do the right things against him.”
“I’m still testing the new darts, I gave myself a few months. Even the smallest details in the darts are really important for us, but so far, so good. We’re doing quite well.”
“We’re working really hard to make sure I get the right set-up, the right mindset. The total package has to be right and so far I can’t really complain.”
As you would expect from Van Gerwen, despite the enforced lay-off, he is still putting in the hours to stay sharp.
Van Gerwen added: “I’m still working hard. I know we’re not going to see darts for a little while on television but I still want to thank the fans for all their support. ”
“Sometimes there’s more important things to worry about like this Coronavirus and I just want to say to everyone to stay healthy, stay safe and look after each other. All of us together we can stop this. There’s a long way to go but we will make it.”
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