Scholten reflects after latest defeat for Van Gerwen: "The allure of invincibility has gone"

Michael van Gerwen led the Order of Merit for seven years and was the dominant force in darts but that seems to be over after his latest early defeat at the Masters.

His latest defeat came against Jonny Clayton who won the title in the end and also ended MVG's run of five straight Masters titles last year and for Roland Scholten, he believes there is something up with the Green Machine.

"It's surprising, because you always have an expectation of a top player like Michael. It doesn't work out. He plays well, but at times it seems as if he wants to but the finesse is gone. It is clear that he has less self confidence," said Scholten at AD.nl.  

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The former dominance of Mighty Mike reminded Scholten of Phil Taylor. "When I entered a tournament and I saw Phil, I always knew: oh what a pity, that is going to him today. Michael also had that effect on others. However, the allure of invincibility is now gone for Michael and  opponents know that too. "

UK Open as a test

The next major is the UK Open at the beginning of March, with Van Gerwen as defending champion. "The UK Open will be a good test. Van Gerwen is number two in the world, we are not talking about a biscuit baker. I do not expect him to win right away, but it is all about getting a good feeling again", concludes 'The Tripod'.