“The luck is going his way less and less. That might be a worrying sign” - Van Gerwen alerted to troubling development

Michael van Gerwen’s elimination at the World Matchplay has, according to Kim Huybrechts, revealed more than just a lost match.

The Belgian believes the Dutchman is no longer the automatic favorite in tight games and that his aura on tour has shifted. Still, Huybrechts has no doubt the three-time world champion can continue to win the biggest titles.

Van Gerwen bowed out on Tuesday in the World Matchplay quarterfinals after a 14-12 defeat to Dirk van Duijvenbode. As a result, the Brabant native drops out of the top four on the PDC Order of Merit for the first time since December 2012.

Huybrechts enjoyed the all-Dutch clash in Blackpool, where the momentum constantly swung. “At first you thought: player A is going to win, then player B,” he told Sportnieuws. It went back and forth. Missed chances, the other failing to punish, then the reverse. A real ping-pong match.

According to the Belgian, the match was ultimately decided by an aspect in which Van Gerwen had excelled for years.

Van Gerwen built a career-long reputation as a player who produced his best darts under maximum pressure. Huybrechts, however, sees a gradual shift. “Michael is one of the kings of winning tight matches.”

Yet he spots a trend that concerns him. “But the coin is landing his way less and less. That might be a worrying sign.”

Huybrechts believes this also affects how opponents view Van Gerwen today. “In the past you knew: I have to play a world-class match to beat Michael. Now players think: if I just play well, I can beat Michael too.”

Despite the dip in results, Huybrechts does not think the issue lies in Van Gerwen’s talent or ability. The Belgian argues it now mainly comes down to the choices the Dutchman makes away from the oche.

“I do think Michael is still hungry, but he’s no longer living up to that hunger.” Huybrechts stresses that Van Gerwen has every right to enjoy life more, but also points to the consequences. “I think he’s enjoying life a bit too much now. Which is absolutely his right.”

According to the Belgian, life at the very top simply demands major sacrifices. “He sacrificed everything for darts for twenty years and lived for his family. But you can’t expect that if you fully enjoy parties, holidays, and the free life, you’ll also perform at the top level every week.”

Huybrechts also notes a lifestyle change for Van Gerwen since his divorce. “I think that since Michael became single, he’s been enjoying life a lot more.”

He emphasizes he’s not passing judgment, but that it does come with a choice. “But you have to work hard to stay at the top. Ultimately, that’s a decision only Michael can make.”

Despite his critical assessment, Huybrechts is convinced Van Gerwen is far from finished. The Belgian believes the Dutchman still has the tools to capture another world title or major trophies.

“He’s in danger of falling into a position he’s never been in. But that doesn’t mean he can’t become world champion again. He still has those qualities.”