Michael van Gerwen has not exactly joined the pantheon of Masters champions. As one of only three winners, it is more of a well-furnished shed.
ADVERTISEMENT
Van Gerwen has well and truly stamped his mark on this tournament. An 11-8 win over Raymond van Barneveld made it four Masters titles in a row for Mighty Mike. A 105 average, his 23rd straight ton-plus TV average, sealed the deal. The world number one expressed his delight at kicking off 2018 in style.
"I think this is the perfect start to the year. I played a good tournament and hit some big averages against some great players," he said.
"Everyone wants a good start to the year and I've started well."
Van Gerwen paid tribute to compatriot van Barneveld, who led 4-1 and 8-5 in the final.
"Raymond had a phenomenal tournament, he played well in the final and he didn't give a lot away. When you give him a finger he takes your hand, but I'm glad that I fought back," van Gerwen said.
"I'm trying my best all the time and I want to win every tournament that I play in, so I'm really glad that I can take this trophy home."
The Masters was the first event of the 2018 major calendar, and the first major since the World Championship. Van Gerwen's dreams of a third world title were shattered in a thrilling semi-final defeat to Rob Cross. But the Green Machine insists he is now over the pain of failure.
"I had a big disappointment in the World Championship but you need to be strong. I went on holiday and came back stronger and I'm really proud of myself. I'd like to have more days like this," he said.
Join the Fantasy Premier League Darts! Create 1 team for 5 euro for the full Premier League season. The prize pool starts at 500 euro and we have a 1st prize of at least 88 euro!
https://twitter.com/MvG180/status/957743962789474306
"I think this is the perfect start to the year. I played a good tournament and hit some big averages against some great players," he said.
"Everyone wants a good start to the year and I've started well."
Van Gerwen paid tribute to compatriot van Barneveld, who led 4-1 and 8-5 in the final.
"Raymond had a phenomenal tournament, he played well in the final and he didn't give a lot away. When you give him a finger he takes your hand, but I'm glad that I fought back," van Gerwen said.
"I'm trying my best all the time and I want to win every tournament that I play in, so I'm really glad that I can take this trophy home."
The Masters was the first event of the 2018 major calendar, and the first major since the World Championship. Van Gerwen's dreams of a third world title were shattered in a thrilling semi-final defeat to Rob Cross. But the Green Machine insists he is now over the pain of failure.
"I had a big disappointment in the World Championship but you need to be strong. I went on holiday and came back stronger and I'm really proud of myself. I'd like to have more days like this," he said.
Join the Fantasy Premier League Darts! Create 1 team for 5 euro for the full Premier League season. The prize pool starts at 500 euro and we have a 1st prize of at least 88 euro!
https://twitter.com/MvG180/status/957743962789474306
claps 0visitors 0
Just in
Popular news
Latest comments
- Well,I suppose if you don't play the tournaments ,then why should any player qualify? There are players who enter every tournament,and if they don't win it,they carry on, spending money they haven't won,yet certain players seem to think they should qualify. Winners only I thinkrick6714-11-2026
- Everyone knows what a fantastic champion Taylor was,but his performances in the seniors were poor. He wouldn't throw littler off stage,as he'd miss these days!!rick6712-11-2026
- He produced some impressive numbers in that qualifying campaign. I'm excited to see him compete at the World Championship once again, even if it will be difficult to replicate last year's success even with an improved performance, with the draw playing a huge role in determining his fortunes.Deduce635811-11-2026
- I often think about this very question. I think they should revive the format. They could even invite representatives from MODUS Super Series, with four series winners from the past year, and the ADC, with finalists from the Global Championship and perhaps other events. Why not throw in eligible representatives from the JDC and even the soft-tip game too?Deduce635811-11-2026
- So what if littler missed out, he doesnt have to enter everythingant10-11-2026
- Good, absolutely no loss if we never see this dancing goof ever again......no that is not fair. He absolutely cannot and has never been remotely able to dance!richieburnettrocks10-11-2026
- Yes Phil,now the money in the game is bigger than ever,you'd play littler. Well so would I! Retire on your memory Phil,and your successful careerrick6709-11-2026
- And why should he listen to you?Deduce635807-11-2026
- Ultimately it is a bye for whoever draws Barney. It will be another stroppy and sulky performance once he goes behind. Barney was excellent but really must completely call it a day now.richieburnettrocks07-11-2026
- I'm disappointed he was not able to secure a spot at the Grand Slam. With Carl Sneyd taking care of Daryl Gurney, he would have had to beat Andy Boulton before facing the winner of Sneyd vs Mensur Suljović for a Grand Slam spot. Unfortunately, after beating Filip Bereza comfortably, he succumbed to Boulton, and the board would ultimately be won by the highly inconsistent Carl Sneyd. Since he could instead have been drawn against the likes of Cristo Reyes, Dirk van Duijvenbode and Stephen Bunting, I think once Gurney was out of the picture he would have been favourite to win his board, and it seems like a massive missed opportunity to put 5 grand on his ranking and seal another major TV appearance ahead of the Worlds. The highs and lows of following Raymond van Barneveld!Deduce635806-11-2026