'What happened last year doesn't count now' - Michael van Gerwen speaks ahead of beginning of World Championship

Michael van Gerwen is after a third world title and in an interview with Sky Sports, 'Mighty Mike' spoke about this year's tournament as well as his rivals such as Phil Taylor including saying he will stop way before he could collect 16 world titles due to the standard of darts. He starts tonight against Christian Kist live on Sky Sports. "What happened last year doesn't count now," he told Sky Sports' Rod Studd. "The year before, I had a phenomenal match against Raymond van Barneveld and lost with the highest average ever. Barney had some good 121s and did everything in the right moments, but I was good that year. For some reason, I couldn't bring it over the finish line. "You do everything all year, then ruin it for yourself. You can say things that you don't mean. It makes you a stronger player. Look forward, don't look backwards. "The year after Cristo Reyes lost with a 106 average, and I beat Raymond with a 109 average. "Most of the time when the good averages come out, it's when two players play a good game. But it's not about averages - I remember a great game between Adrian Lewis and Gary Anderson and [they both averaged beneath] 100. It was a great final to watch. "Everyone wants to perform and everyone is under more pressure." "Phil is the greatest," Van Gerwen said. "You can't compare Maradona with Messi. Different times. Phil can still win tournaments. "If I play until I'm 57 then I would beat [his 16 world titles] but I'll stop before then. It has never been a target. You have to be realistic with how many good players there are. "No-one thought someone could play better than Phil. The level has changed and you have to perform these days, because everyone's level is at a high standard."