"You can tell he puts on a brave face in public, but behind that there’s emptiness. It’s all hitting him" - Van der Voort 'worried' about good friend Michael van Gerwen

In the latest episode of Darts Draait Door, Damian Vlottes and Vincent van der Voort looked back on a hectic week in the world of darts. The pair discussed the opening rounds of the World Youth Championship—where Beau Greaves shone—the final European Tour event of the year, and the ongoing mental battle of Michael van Gerwen.

Both analysts agreed that the World Youth Championship was one of the standout events of the season. “It was a spectacular day,” said Vlottes. “Littler played, Van Veen played, and it was a shame Rock didn’t.”

The participation of big names such as Luke Littler and Gian van Veen sparked debate among fans, with some questioning whether established stars should be allowed to compete against younger, up-and-coming players. Van der Voort dismissed that criticism. “I really thought that was nonsense,” he said. “This is youth darts—up to a certain age. If you’re eligible, you can play. It gives the tournament more prestige. Everything improves because of it.”

Van Veen had to battle hard on his way through the draw, and even Littler looked vulnerable. “He had a tough time against that Manby,” said Vlottes. “And Van Veen had it rough.”

But it was the semi-final between Littler and Beau Greaves that stole the show. “That match was incredible,” Van der Voort said with admiration. “Littler got a lot of stick—‘how can you lose that?’—but he averaged 107 and she 105. It was a fantastic game.”

After a nerve-wracking deciding leg, Littler narrowly missed out on the final as Greaves made history. “He was already waiting on a double,” Vlottes added. “Bizarrely good.”

Both regretted that fans couldn’t watch it live. “Just stream that match,” Van der Voort insisted. “I know they avoid youth streams because of gambling concerns, but you’d have loved to see it.”

Greaves’ victory left a lasting impression. “She is so good,” said Van der Voort. “I’m curious to see how things go next year when she has a Tour Card.”

Under current rules, Greaves can continue competing on the Women’s Series and Development Tour until she reaches the top 64 in the world rankings—something Van der Voort supports. “I think that’s a good rule. But they should extend it to everyone—let Challenge Tour players do the same until they’re in the top 64.”

Both expect Greaves to not only keep her Tour Card but climb quickly. “I think within two years she’ll be in the top 64,” said Vlottes. “She plays so maturely and consistently.”

Attention then turned to Gian van Veen, who “rather quietly” reached the World Youth Championship final, securing a place at the 2026 Grand Slam of Darts in the process. “That’s nice for him,” said Van der Voort. “Littler’s not there now—he still has to earn it.”

Jermaine Wattimena also came under the spotlight after capturing his second Players Championship title last week and following it up with a semi-final the next day. “I thought he was fantastic,” said Vlottes. “Winning one day and reaching the semis the next—you rarely see that.”

Van der Voort agreed. “Only the absolute top manage to do that. Look how close Wattimena is to that level now. And he’s got room to climb in the rankings because he’s got little to defend.”

Still, there were minor concerns. “In the quarter-finals his energy levels dipped,” Van der Voort noted. “You could see the fatigue on his face. But that determination to win—that was great to see.”

The conversation then shifted to Michael van Gerwen, who missed out on the Players Championship Finals after failing to earn enough prize money on the floor. “That takes some getting used to,” said Vlottes.

Van der Voort was blunt: “It suits his year—it’s been a year of nothing. Especially on the Pro Tour. He played a lot, but didn’t perform.” They listed his struggles: a mediocre Premier League, early exits at the World Matchplay, and a poor UK Open. “Only the Euro Tour saves his year a little bit,” Vlottes said.

With just the European Championship and Grand Slam of Darts remaining before the Worlds, the pressure is on. “Next year is huge,” Van der Voort concluded. “He has to defend everything.” Van der Voort also showed empathy toward his compatriot. “I understand what’s happening at home for him. I’ve spoken to him—you can tell he puts on a brave face in public, but behind that there’s emptiness. It’s all hitting him.”

Yet he didn’t hold back his criticism either. “Because he’s doing all these other things, people think, ‘Oh, there he goes again, skipping darts for something else.’ I believe he’s genuinely struggling, but it comes across oddly. You can go to festivals and everything, but then not play darts for two days? Maybe it’s mental. If that’s the case, he needs to step away completely. Once you show up at a tournament, you’re judged on performance.”

“He’s really struggling with himself now,” Van der Voort added. “Now, for example, the dogs are gone—it’s quiet and empty at home. I understand that he wants to go out for dinner, to get away. That might make more sense than sitting on the couch on a Saturday night thinking too much. I understand it, but I’m worried about his career.”

The final topic was the last European Tour weekend of the year, and particularly the final between Nathan Aspinall and Dirk van Duijvenbode. “Aspinall said after his first match, ‘I don’t like being here—two flights and a train. Let me be the last winner in Hildesheim,’” Vlottes recalled. “And that’s exactly what happened.”

Aspinall claimed his third Euro Tour title of the season. “Three in one year—that’s unbelievably good,” said Van der Voort. “Only Humphries, Van Gerwen and maybe Wright have done that before.”

Van Duijvenbode finished runner-up but impressed throughout. “He was close to winning,” said Van der Voort. “He had a fantastic tournament. This might even be a better Van Duijvenbode than during his best spell. Winning with a 117 average is great, but the best wins are the ones where things don’t go your way and you still fight back—like against Martin Schindler (6–5). The crowd was against him, and that roar when he hit the winning dart—that was brilliant.”

The Dutchman’s emotions were also on display in the final. “That nine-darter was great,” Van der Voort smiled. “But later, when he missed that treble 18, he was almost stamping his feet—like a child denied candy. But that’s what makes him human.”

Van Duijvenbode’s defeat meant he narrowly missed out on a Grand Slam spot, but Van der Voort remains optimistic. “That’s doubly frustrating for him. But if he keeps this up, he’ll be in the world’s top 16 within a year and a half. He just needs good runs on TV. With the prize money available now and the form he’s in—it can happen fast. If he keeps playing like last weekend, he absolutely belongs there.”