''At some point everything will fall into place" - Michael van Gerwen faces 'tough task' in quest for another World Series of Darts Finals title

Michael van Gerwen begins his chase for another title at the World Series of Darts Finals on Friday night. As in past years, the tournament will be played at the AFAS Live in Amsterdam, giving 'Mighty Mike' a chance to play in front of a home crowd.

This year, 32 players will make their appearance at the World Series of Darts Finals. In past years, 24 participants competed each time. The field of participants is led by number one seed Luke Littler, who performed best at the regular World Series tournaments in 2024. Big names such as Gerwyn Price, Luke Humphries, Luke Littler, Michael Smith and Peter Wright are also in attendance.

Last year, Van Gerwen managed to win this tournament for the fifth time already. After previous titles in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2019, 'Mighty Mike' was too strong for Nathan Aspinall in the final last year by a convincing 11-4. ''It would mean a lot to win this title again this weekend, but it's going to be tough,'' said Van Gerwen in a preview with the PDC. "I need to make sure I play my own game and keep maintaining the same level of performance I've been delivering in the last few weeks.''

Friday night the first eight matches of the opening round of the 2024 World Series of Darts Finals will be played. In the first round, the 35-year-old Dutchman will take on Jonny Clayton, who won this tournament in 2021 by beating Dimitri van den Bergh in the final.

''At some point everything will fall into place and then I believe I can do some nice things again,'' Van Gerwen stated. ''It is always nice to play in front of your home crowd and I'm looking forward to that. I feel sharp, I feel good and I hope I can deliver."

Van Gerwen is one of seven Dutch participants at the World Series of Darts Finals in Amsterdam. Also participating are Raymond van Barneveld, Danny Noppert, Dirk van Duijvenbode, Gian van Veen, Kevin Doets and Wessel Nijman. Noppert and Van Veen will also play each other, meaning that at least one Dutchman will make it to the second round.