Michael van Gerwen recalls running for his life: ''The man who came out had me by my collar"

Michael van Gerwen used to enjoy getting into mischief in his youth. In conversation with De Telegraaf, the 34-year-old from Vlijmen revealed a remarkable story.

The newspaper asked whether Van Gerwen ever had to run for his life. To that, 'Mighty Mike' came up with an affirmative answer. ''Once. I was about ten years old and doing a little mischief. With those PVC pipes. Shooting darts. We'd put pebbles in front of them. Or nails or corn kernels.''

''Then windows got damaged or cars got dented,'' Van Gerwen continued. ''I was obviously the slowest of my group of friends and the man who came out had me by my collar. And then? Nothing. Apologizing like a little kid does.''

The three-time world champion was also asked what his most impulsive action ever was. ''I have a lot of those,'' Van Gerwen responded to that question. ''If I have something in my head, I'm going to do it right away. I once rang the doorbell with Daphne (his wife, ed.) at what is now my neighbor's house. I said: 'Boy, I'd like to buy that piece of land next door.' 'Come and have a look,' he said. I had a house built on it and I live there now."