"Now we really have to hope that for three or four months he doesn’t run into anything" – No setbacks key to Van Gerwen return to form says Van der Voort

Michael van Gerwen once again failed to make a deep run at the second major of 2026 at the UK Open, leaving him with little prize money to defend his ranking. The Brabant native won his first two matches in Minehead, but then lost in the sixth round to James Wade.

That earned him a ‘mere’ £12,500, which is really too little if he wants to keep the chasers behind him. In the latest episode of the Darts Draait Door podcast, Vincent van der Voort looked back on his compatriot’s tournament. He also sees that van Gerwen’s fourth place on the Order of Merit is under threat. “Everyone is going to be breathing down Van Gerwen’s neck this year, that shouldn’t come as a surprise.”

If Van Gerwen fails to perform at all the major tournaments this year, there is a very real chance he will start 2027 outside the world’s top 16. “So now he has to perform so much that he climbs out of there. That’s where we’re at right now. In patches we see a good Van Gerwen, and his throw is also getting more and more on track. He’s completely recovered as well (after last month’s health issues), but still inconsistent.”

That inconsistency is exactly what needs work, according to Van der Voort. “Now we really have to hope that for three or four months he doesn’t run into anything. No hassle or issues with his body. That he can really work on his form and play every week. Right now it’s very good and then very mediocre again. Those flyers he sometimes throws now can’t happen to him. Those things have to go. He’s also still missing too many chances.”

Although Van Gerwen started 2026 well with a title and a final on the World Series and a weekly win in the Premier League Darts, it didn’t help the three-time world champion that illness again knocked him out of his rhythm. “He has to play the top players week in, week out. He was going well, but then suddenly had to withdraw from tournaments again and you get thrown back. He really needs that build-up to the World Matchplay (18/7/2026– 26/7/2026),” Van der Voort concluded.