Mardle predicts Van Gerwen versus Ratajski in World Grand Prix opener: "If I am going to play Michael I want to play him now"

Michael van Gerwen will face Krzysztof Ratajski tonight as the World Number One aims to make it three titles in a row in the World Grand Prix but it is a Green Machine out of form.

Wayne Mardle has spoke ahead of tonight's tough tie and believes that Ratajski is playing Van Gerwen at the perfect time.

"When you are struggling a little you look at the draw and think I wouldn't mind him, I wouldn't mind him, don't give me him, well - Ratajski comes into that last bracket. He is solid, not going to play poorly and is going to punish mistakes," said Mardle to Sky Sports.

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"If they both play well, there's only one winner. In fact, if they all play well in the whole tournament there's only one winner but Michael van Gerwen is not putting in the performances that are frightening anyone at the moment."

"Ratajski will be thinking it is a horrible draw for me but if I am going to play Michael I want to play him now and if you knockout the number one seed - which I've done believe it or not - and all of the sudden you are thinking wow.

Krzysztof could go a long way if he beats Michael but it's a huge game for Michael, who will not want to get beat again early in a tournament. He will want to make amends."