History had been waiting patiently in the Bahraini heat – and Michael van Gerwen arrived right on cue. On his landmark 50th World Series appearance, Mighty Mike rolled over the competition to become the first Dutchman to conquer the Bahrain Darts Masters, edging compatriot Gian van Veen 8-6 in a final that crackled with tension and class in equal measure.
There was something beautifully circular about it all. When the World Series concept first burst into life back in 2013, it was van Gerwen who grabbed the inaugural title in Dubai. Thirteen years later, after being followed by Michael Smith, Luke Littler and Stephen Bunting onto the Bahrain honours board, he’s adding another exotic trophy to an already overstuffed cabinet.
The night began with a statement. Bunting, the defending champion, struck first by pinching the opening two legs – and then woke the legend. Van Gerwen slammed into gear, flipped the script and powered through to a 6-4 victory that felt less like a comeback and more like a warning.
The semi-final was billed as a heavyweight scrap, especially after Gerwyn Price had taken out Littler earlier in the evening. Confidence was high in the Welsh camp. Momentum, however, had other plans. Van Gerwen froze The Iceman in his tracks, streaking clear for a commanding 7-2 win that barely broke a sweat.
Waiting in the final was the tournament’s breakout force. Van Veen had earlier dismantled Danny Noppert, surrendering just a single leg, before navigating a tense semi-final against Nathan Aspinall. Locked at 3-3 with every leg holding throw, it smelled like a decider – until the 23-year-old pounced, grabbed the break and never let it slip, closing out a 7-4 win.
And so, the Netherlands showdown.Van Gerwen came out swinging, piling on pressure and racing into a 6-2 lead that threatened a rout. But Van Veen refused to fold. One leg became two. Two became four. Suddenly it was 7-6, the arena holding its breath.That’s when experience stepped forward.
Van Gerwen locked down his throw, shut the door, and lifted yet another World Series crown – this one shaped like a miniature golden palm tree.No time to admire it for long. The darts caravan rolls on again almost immediately, with the inaugural Saudi Arabia Darts Masters roaring into life on Monday.
QUARTER FINALS
Luke Littler 2-6 Gerwyn Price
Michael van Gerwen 6-4 Stephen Bunting
Luke Humphries 3-6 Nathan Aspinall
Gian van Veen 6-1 Danny Noppert
SEMI-FINALS
Gerwyn Price 2-7 Michael van Gerwen Nathan Aspinall 4-7 Gian van Veen
FINAL
Michael van Gerwen 8-6 Gian van Veen
—–Ends—–
Images: PDC / T Lanning
