Van Gerwen looks ahead to European Championship: ‘To win this tournament five years in a row would be incredible’

Michael van Gerwen begins the defence of his European Championship crown on Thursday evening as he takes on Paul Nicholson in the first round.

Ahead of the tournament beginning in Dortmund, Mighty Mike admitted he is really determined to win it again. Despite his admiration for his opponent, Van Gerwen believes he will ultimately have too much for him. “To win this tournament five years in a row would be incredible. It is something that I am really determined to do," said Van Gerwen. “Nobody ever did that before so it would be something really special to me and it adds a little bit of extra motivation but of course I can only stay focused for one game at a time. “I’m looking forward to the game against Paul Nicholson. He is someone I know well and he has being doing well again this year which is great to see. You have to perform to qualify for this tournament. “But I think I will have too much for him if I am anywhere near my best. If I play like I can I will have too much for anybody. “The European Championship is like the finals for the whole European Tour. I have been very dominant on that so I want to make sure it is my name on the trophy at end of it."