Michael van Gerwen swept aside Dave Chisnall 8-4 with a near 107 average to claim Players Championship 21 in Wigan and win his first ranking title since May 2023.
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In the week in which he lost his final major title in Amsterdam that he had to defend, it could've been all doom and gloom. But Van Gerwen who hadn't played in a ProTour final since even earlier in March of 2023 found his magic again and it is about not settling for less.
“I think I played really well,” admitted the three-time World Champion. “My scoring power was there, and every time I had to put Dave under pressure, I was able to do it. Then this game can be a little bit more easy but when you're making it unnecessarily difficult in some patches through the day but you have to say to yourself come on Mike.
"But more important I’m pleased with my performance. I’m using my new darts which are going really well, so everybody is a winner!
“I have underperformed in lots of these [ProTour events], so to be back on this tour and actually win one, it feels good.
“I’m not coming here just to take part. I want to win, I want to perform and I want to do the right things for myself.
“I know there’s still a lot more to gain and a lot more to fight for. I've been close to winning ProTours and European Tours so it is difficult. But for me, the most important thing is I always keep believing in my own ability. Today I did, I spoke to Vincent (van der Voort) and he said you're going to win today as he had to catch his flight. It gives you joy, it gives you pleasure and I think from now on a lot is possible."
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.
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VAN GERWEN WINS PC21! 🏆
Michael van Gerwen averages just shy of 107, powering past Dave Chisnall in an 8-4 victory to pick up his first ranking title of 2024!
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