“Of course I’m going to win, or I’d have stayed at home'' - Michael van Gerwen full of self confidence ahead of Poland Darts Masters

Michael van Gerwen has travelled as defending champion to Gliwice, where the Poland Darts Masters will be played on Friday and Saturday. The Dutchman is confident he can prolong his title reign at this World Series of Darts tournament.

The first edition of the Poland Darts Masters in 2023 was won convincingly by Van Gerwen. At the time, 'Mighty Mike' played one of his best tournaments ever. After winning 6-3 over Adam Gawlas in the first round, he recorded an average of 110.79 per turn in his quarterfinal win against Luke Humphries (6-2). In the semifinals, Van Gerwen recorded a 7-3 victory over Michael Smith with an average of 104.02. In the final, Dimitri van den Bergh was left defenseless 8-3. Van Gerwen threw an average of 113.22 in this final.

“Of course I’m going to win, or I’d have stayed at home,'' Van Gerwen spoke confidently in a preview on the PDC website. ''I really enjoyed playing in Poland last year and I had a good result, so why can’t I do the same this year? Every tournament I compete in I want to win, and I need to make sure I’m focusing now."

In the draw for the Poland Darts Masters, Van Gerwen was paired with Karel Sedlacek. The Czech is one of five Tour Card holders from Eastern Europe. Sedlacek already has the necessary stage experience, as he has competed in five World Championships in the past. Van Gerwen is therefore not underestimating his Czech opponent. ''I’ve got a tough first round game against Karel," he previewed. “The East Europe players are improving every time. I think it’s a really strong line-up here and I’m really looking forward to playing.”

The duel between Van Gerwen and Sedlacek will be played on Friday night and is scheduled as the fifth match of the evening session.