“I am a winner; I don’t like losing”: Michael van Gerwen believes he can win Matchplay number four
PDC
After an unconvincing victory over Raymond van Barneveld in
the first round of the World Matchplay, Michael Van Gerwen believes “I have not
got enough match rhythm, but my head is there, which is a good thing.”
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Van Gerwen has won the title her in Blackpool an impressive
three times and will be searching for number four. Standing in his way, high
flying Josh Rock.
While Rock is on the rise, a recent struggle for MVG has
seen his game take a slight decline.
“Darts doesn’t wait for anyone, not for me, not for Phil
Taylor, not anyone.”
The Dutch superstar knows that if he is to progress to the
next round, he is going to have to find some of his old form that saw him dominate
the sport for over a decade.
“I am a winner. I don’t like losing, but hopefully this will
be the start of something really nice.”
Michael has had some troubles away from the oche over recent
months but admits “I feel more calm now,” having his daughter with him at the
Matchplay.
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A lot of players will use their time off to practice for
their next game, most noticeably Jermaine Wattimena who has complained
regarding the practice facilities in Blackpool.
For MVG it is a little different this time around “now we have a day off tomorrow, I can relax a little bit
more, spend some time with my daughter — she’s here with me for the first time
and I really enjoy that.”
This time spent with family is
something that could boost the performance of MVG.
Following this time off, “It feels
like you have to start from scratch, but I can handle it. I love what I do, I love
performing”
“Sometimes I have to be patient with myself, but of course that’s difficult,
because I know what I’m capable of.
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Van Gerwen spoke about the length of the tournament stating “it’s
not a sprint, it’s a marathon. You need to win more games at the highest level
and then things will develop for myself. I know that.”
The upcoming game is set to be a challenge for both players, as
they both look to prove to the fans and themselves that they are part of the
elite group of players on tour.
“I’ve played against Michael on the big stage before, I’ve hit a
nine darter against him: I’m up there trying my best to win a trophy and so is he.”
Speaking on the differences in experiences “He’s also won the
World Matchplay three times, so he knows how to win, but I’m just looking
forward to playing one of the best players in the world,” said Rock.
Both players are known for their high scoring ability, with Rock
hitting a record nine 180s in the final of the World Cup, we can expect a game
full of twists and turns alongside some world class scoring and finishing, The
winner will progress into the Quarter finals later this week.
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🗣️ “I’m not here to make the numbers up. I’m here to win the trophy as best I can.”
— R&K Darts (@RandKAgency) July 22, 2025
Josh Rock reflects on an excellent opening win and now facing Michael van Gerwen.#WMDarts pic.twitter.com/1dBBaLXCwS
Connor Prescott, a rising sports journalist contributing to both DartsNews.com and Tennisuptodate.com, two respected independent platforms in the world of digital sports media. Having recently graduated with a degree in Sports Journalism, i bring a fresh, informed perspective to the field showing a combination academic training with real-world experience.
At DartsNews.com and Tennisuptodate.com, i play a role in producing engaging and factual content. My work consists of breaking news, feature writing, player interviews, and live blogs, helping to ensure both platforms remain trusted sources for fans around the world.
With a background that also includes experience in covering basketball, football and darts i have developed a well-rounded understanding of the broader sports media landscape. I have a passion for storytelling, and a willingness to learn and grow make me an emerging voice in modern sports journalism.
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