"I could smash anyone who comes in my path" - Nine-dart Michael van Gerwen full of confidence at Hungarian Darts Trophy 2024

Michael van Gerwen impressed in the second round of the 2024 Hungarian Darts Trophy. 'Mighty Mike' defeated Martin Lukeman 6-2 throwing a stunning nine dart leg and three ton plus checkouts in the match.

Van Gerwen won his first ranking title of 2024 last week at Players Championship 21. The 35-year-old Dutchman continued that good form in Budapest, posting an average of 104.52, no one did better in the second round.

“I’m here to do something special. I think this crowd deserved it," Van Gerwen reflected in his post-match interview on stage. “I really under-performed here last year, so to star today with a nine darter is always nice! But the most important thing was to win this game with a solid performance. I think there’s still a lot more in the tank because I feel good, I feel sharp, and there’s a lot more to fight for tomorrow.”

"I've not been doing myself any justice lately. Now finally, with this new set of darts, we're doing some great stuff. I just have to maintain and keep doing this," the Dutchman continues. "It worked last week and today, but the most important thing is, I have the confidence back now."

In the next round, Van Gerwen will take on Gabriel Clemens. Last time out on the European Tour, the German knocked Van Gerwen out of the Flanders Darts Trophy. "He won't enjoy playing me tomorrow, let me tell you!" Van Gerwen laughs. "I could smash him. I could smash anyone who comes in my path."

The Hungarian Darts Trophy will be broadcast on PDC TV. As usual with Euro Tour tournaments, the Hungarian Darts Trophy consists of three tournament days. The afternoon sessions start daily at 12:00, while the evening sessions start at 18:00.

The first round will take place on Friday. The 16 Order of Merit qualifiers and the winners from the various qualifying tournaments then make their appearance. The top-16 seeded players enter the tournament on Saturday in the second round. Sunday will see the denouement of the tournament, starting with the third round in the afternoon session. Sunday evening will be followed by the quarterfinals, semifinals and finals.