Russ Bray believes Michael van Gerwen underachieved: ‘’He could have won a lot more''

Darts icon Russ Bray believes that Michael van Gerwen has not maximized his full potential. Despite an impressive career tally of 157 PDC titles and three world titles, the legendary referee feels the Dutchman could have been even more successful.

Once tipped as the player to surpass Phil Taylor’s records, Van Gerwen has been at the top for over a decade. However, according to Bray, there are still titles that have slipped through his fingers.

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"I look back at players from over the years who perhaps could have gone on to do more, and win more. You know, Terry Jenkins is right up there for me; he was in eight finals and never won one - it's an underachievement," Bray told Ladbrokes.

He also has his doubts about James Wade. "Wadey [James Wade] has won a lot of majors, but never won the Worlds. You just wonder why. These are the types of guys who are there or thereabout, but I'd say have underachieved."

Bray then highlights Van Gerwen as a prime example. "You know, I'd even say Michael van Gerwen has underachieved. I know he's won three world titles, and a million others. But he's underachieved, in my opinion, because he's that good, that he could have won a lot more.''

He points to a recent example. "One example, he got beat in the final of the UK Open a couple of years back, by Andrew Gilding. I'm not disrespecting Gilding, but nine times out of ten, Michael van Gerwen will beat him.''

Despite his critique, Bray remains full of praise for the Dutchman. "That's another title gone. So, Michael has underachieved... he's still one of the greatest darts players there's ever been, but he could have won more, in my opinion."

Bray was a key figure on the darts circuit for years, officiating at the highest level until the 2024 World Darts Championship. Although he stepped down from full-time refereeing, he remains an ambassador for the PDC and still officiates occasionally at World Series events.

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