Sky Sports Darts presenter Emma Paton on MVG plight: "He will be itching to get some trophies back in the cabinet"

Emma Paton since taking over as lead presenter of Sky Sports Darts coverage has seen the downturn of Michael van Gerwen - who failed to win a major title in 2021.

Adding to that, a failed COVID test at the PDC World Darts Championship added to that which Paton believes will give him the fire to bring back some trophies into his collection.

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"It was a rubbish end to 2021 for Van Gerwen," said Paton to Sky Sports.

"Left without a major title for over 12 months - the longest drought since his breakthrough in 2012 - he was then forced to withdraw after just one match at the World Championship after testing positive for Covid.

"Not only will he be itching to get back on the oche but itching to get some trophies back in the cabinet as well.

"Despite only picking up a couple of titles, he was showing some real form towards the end of the year.

"In September he won his first televised ranking event of 2021 at the Nordic Masters and then in November won a first ranking title of the year in the penultimate floor event of the season."

"Around those events we saw glimpses of the MVG of old - his performance in the European Championship final, despite losing to Rob Cross, and a record Grand Slam average of over 115. He was also more consistent towards the backend of the year."