It’s fitting that the famous Madison Square Garden should be the stage for Michael van Gerwen’s return to competitive action. The US Darts Masters has proven a happy hunting ground for the Dutch darting icon.
Previously a platform for Muhammad Ali, Elvis Presley, The Rolling Stones, and even a couple of Popes, the iconic Garden once again welcomes a legend of the oche – and a man chasing his third US Masters crown.
After a short break from the sport following a difficult and public split from wife Daphne, the 36-year-old Netherlands star is back, armed with tungsten.
Mighty Mike remains the only player to have lifted the title more than once, having claimed the inaugural event in Las Vegas back in 2017. Then, two years ago, he returned to do it all again – though Canada’s Jeff Smith probably still has nightmares about how that final ended.
Van Gerwen caught up with Online Darts’ Phill Barrs to discuss how he’s feeling – and whether he’s happy to return to the Big Apple:
“Yeah, of course – always feels good to be back here. If I didn’t like it, I wouldn’t be here.”
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Blunt, but honest. You can tell Vincent van der Voort has made the trip with his old pal – the no-nonsense approach is contagious. But to be fair, MVG has always been straight with fans and speaks his mind too. When Phill pressed him on his chances of making it a hat-trick of US Masters titles this weekend, this was the legend’s response:
“I dunno… I live in the moment. I’ll give it 100%, but I’m also realistic. It’s been a tough time, but if I thought I couldn’t do any damage, I wouldn’t be here.
“Everyone knows the situation I’m coming from and the position I’m in. So we’ll see if I’m ready mentally. It’s been a really tough period, but I also love playing darts – I just need to find the right combination. The most important thing right now is doing the right thing for me and my children.”
On the subject of darts growing Stateside, the three-time World Champion praised the PDC’s efforts to build momentum:
“They are doing a good job in the USA, and with Peacock now streaming it, that’s a big deal. It takes time, but if you compare it with cricket or rugby and look at the viewing numbers, darts is doing better.”
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As well as a slightly trimmer Van Gerwen, fans will notice a couple of cosmetic changes too – in both kit and equipment.
“I still wanna be doing this in ten years’ time so need to live a bit healthier and need to make some sacrifices. The new look – black shirt with a bit of green – is something I was planning even before my troubles at home. And I don’t really have a new set of darts – it’s just a slightly different grip.”
The livery has varied, from the previously uniform vivid green, once already this year. A special edition black and gold, for the Winmau World Masters, was very well recieved.
And the darts it seems have also worked a treat – apparently, he’s already hit two nine-darters with them in practice. But in typical MVG fashion, he played it down like it’s no more exciting than boiling the kettle, saying practice doesn’t count.
He’s not wrong. I’d be counting it though. A nine-darter’s a nine-darter – and Michael van Gerwen has thrown more than most. At this point, he’s probably lost count. So, will we see a revitalised, refocused MVG blossoming in the Garden? We’re about to find out.
—–ENDS—–
Images: PDC
