Van Gerwen wants to take over as King of the World Matchplay: ‘Phil did well there in the past but times change’
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Michael van Gerwen is not the defending champion in the World Matchplay this year but after Phil Taylor’s retirement, Mighty Mike wants to take over as King of the World Matchplay.
Van Gerwen spoke about the pressure going into a tournament like the World Matchplay being World Number One and said that he has had the pressure for a few years and can handle it. Also for him he believes the format suits his game with it getting longer as it goes along but still he can afford to make any mistakes. "Of course, Phil did well there in the past but times change," said Van Gerwen, who was defeated 16-6 by Taylor in last year's quarter-finals. “I can't afford to think about the players of the past because I have to deal with the players who are around now.” "You can't stand still and think about the past, you have to move forward and try to win the tournament. "I've had the pressure of being the best player on my shoulders for a few years now but I can handle it” "The World Matchplay is one of the biggest tournaments of the year," added the Dutchman. “The venue is phenomenal and there is always a great crowd in who get behind me every year.” "I need to do my job again this year and not make any mistakes, but I think the format suits my game. "To win any trophy is nice but this is a huge tournament and it would be really special to win it for a third time."
Photo: Lawrence Lustig/PDC
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