"Has the capability to go up there and have a stinker": Dan Dawson warns Michael van Gerwen ahead of tough Gilding test
PDCFriday, 17 July 2026 at 14:00
Michael van Gerwen remains one of the leading contenders for the World Matchplay, but according to darts commentator and analyst Dan Dawson, the Dutchman is far from guaranteed to make a deep run in Blackpool. Dawson believes Van Gerwen still possesses the level required to win the tournament, but also warns that the world number four could just as easily suffer an early exit.
ADVERTISEMENT
Van Gerwen begins his World Matchplay campaign on Sunday afternoon at the iconic Winter Gardens with a first-round clash against Andrew Gilding. On paper, the Dutchman starts as the favourite, but Dawson sees plenty of reasons to question his chances.
Dawson perhaps is best placed when it comes to discussing Van Gerwen as a big name commentator and analyst who watches the tour week in week out. He added though that he still has the ability to beat anyone on his day.
“I think there are question marks about Michael van Gerwen. You don’t know what you are going to get," said Dawson on The Darts Show. "Michael van Gerwen has the capability to go to Blackpool and play brilliant darts and win the title.
“There is absolutely no question about that. But Michael van Gerwen also has the capability to go up there and have a bit of a stinker.”
Inconsistent majors
The concerns are not without foundation. Although Van Gerwen has won two World Series events and a Players Championship title this season, his performances in the major televised ranking events have fallen short. At the World Championship, UK Open and World Masters, he was eliminated before reaching the quarter-finals on each occasion.
ADVERTISEMENT
That makes the World Matchplay an important opportunity for Van Gerwen to prove he can once again compete for the biggest titles on the sport's biggest stages.
However, the task will be anything but straightforward, with Andrew Gilding arriving in Blackpool after several impressive campaigns at the Winter Gardens.
Dawson has been impressed by the consistency of the former UK Open champion and believes Gilding has all the tools to produce another upset. Known as a big fan of 'Goldfinger' and a player with a cult following, Gilding won't be easy.
“He’s got Andrew Gilding, who is an incredibly consistent performer. If Andrew Gilding gets into the quarter-final of this year’s World Matchplay, that is three years in a row he has done that. He got, like, Jermaine Wattimena as close as anyone to beating Littler at the Matchplay last year.
Don't write off Andrew Gilding says Dawson.
ADVERTISEMENT
According to Dawson, that would even surpass a remarkable achievement by one of the sport's greatest players. “He was excellent. Now if he reaches three quarter-finals in a row at the Matchplay, Gary Anderson has never gone back-to-back in quarter-finals at the Matchplay.
“He played a lot of them and he has won the thing. But he is a very, very difficult player to beat, Andrew Gilding.
“He has beat Van Gerwen recently on the stage at the Euro Tour. He has beaten Van Gerwen famously in the final at the UK Open.
"Don't know what version of Van Gerwen we get"
Despite his concerns, Dawson is not ruling out a strong showing from Van Gerwen. He has seen the Dutchman produce excellent performances in recent months, including his World Series title in Copenhagen.
ADVERTISEMENT
“I don’t know what version of Van Gerwen we get. I think he has played some really good stuff.
“He won in Copenhagen on the World Series recently. But he doesn’t convince you like he has for so many years.
However, it is the inconsistency that continues to worry him. As a result, Dawson admits he has no idea which version of Van Gerwen will appear on stage on Sunday.
“You have absolutely no clue. I think Andrew Gilding has a massive chance of taking Van Gerwen out. That is only one of the seeded players who is looking at that draw.”
Samuel GillChief Content Officer
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of DartsNews.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy across professional darts coverage. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces, playing a central role in the development and daily operation of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has extensive experience in darts media and has been closely involved in coverage of the professional darts circuit for several years. Within the UK darts community, he is a recognised figure known for his consistent editorial output and ongoing reporting on major tournaments and developments across the PDC calendar.
In his current role, Samuel works closely with editors and writers to ensure content meets clear journalistic standards, with a focus on source verification, editorial consistency, and timely updates when new, confirmed information becomes available.
claps 0visitors 0
Just in
Popular news
Latest comments
- Don't worry Vinman, England will not be in the final.richieburnettrocks16-07-2026
- Ultimately, Vin man knew when to call it quits. Barney was excellent and one of the greatest darts player ever, but he just doesn't have that ability anymore. Vinman working in media is only saying what he thinks and I like how he doesn't sugar coat things and is completely honest and direct with his comments. Vinman will probably agree he wasn't really on the same level as Barney in their respective heydays.richieburnettrocks13-07-2026
- I agree that this season the format was a bit stale, it would be better to have some new faces rotated in through the season. I also think they should vary the format a bit as it doesn't count for rankings, they could have different varieties of 501 (e.g. double start) or just different challenges.mikedarts03-07-2026
- I don't really understand why its an issue that Littler doesn't play in the events, they are barely televised so there is no draw for marketing and it gives the other players a better chance to define their narratives. The events are more of a throw back to old events. I agree that the format should be looked at, I don't know why they don't do a more interesting format or vary it through the season to improve interestmikedarts03-07-2026
- This shows they have the prize money structure wrong then (and OoM as a result). Put more £ into the floor, less on the TV and you'll attract more players to attend more often.BandB03-07-2026
- He's admitted his mistakes. He won't be the first or last player to get sent down,or take drugs. I honestly didn't like the lad,but at least he's owning up to his issues. So,good luck. In whatever he decides to dorick6702-07-2026
- Not everyone wants to watch pub players throwing 70 averages for about £500. Premier League is indeed a cash cow, but it does its job of promoting the game. This new suggestion for changes is one of the better ones. Even better if everyone knew what they had to do to qualify and it isn't just a walk-on popularity contest.StraightArrowNoBull01-07-2026
- I have a suggestion,scrap the whole thing. It's a pointless cash cow for anyone in the top 10.rick6730-06-2026
- Well nobody made him bet!! It's his own fault,if wants to lose money,then he shouldn't call Gerwyn out! He averaged 103,I would think the losing betting idiot could average 40! If you don't want to risk losing,keep your money in your pocket!rick6728-06-2026
- A great female line up this year, it would be nice to see Gemma win, but Beau is too good. Although the most important lady is missing....Lorraine Winstanley! You can't have a major tournament with out Lorraine Winstanley!! My dream is to see Lorraine hit a nine darter, run off the stage and out of the building with Dean.richieburnettrocks25-06-2026
Loading