Michael van Gerwen had his sights set on the title at the US Darts Masters and the 34-year-old did not disappoint himself. At Madison Square Garden, he took the overall victory on the night from Saturday to Sunday.
It was the second time the PDC organised a World Series tournament at the iconic sports venue, which has hosted major basketball, ice hockey and boxing matches in the past. Since 2022, darts matches have been added to that list. Sportsman Van Gerwen was therefore extra keen on the title in New York, but still had to settle for second place in 2022.
A year later, the title came after all. Van Gerwen began his participation in the 2023 US Darts Masters with victories over Jake Macmillan (6-2) and Jim Long (6-2). In the semi-finals, 'Mighty Mike' did face serious opposition, but despite trailing 4-6, Van Gerwen drew the longest against Rob Cross 7-6.
In the final, he again faced a North American player. It was Jeff Smith, who became the sensation of the tournament with victories over Peter Wright, Nathan Aspinall, and Luke Humphries. However, the tank proved empty in the final, as Smith was swept away 8-0 by Van Gerwen in the final match.
So mission accomplished for the three-time world champion, who immediately acknowledged afterward that he was eager to tick this title off his bucket list. But Van Gerwen additionally revealed a new dream.
"I've got one more on the bucket list," said Van Gerwen. "But that's Wembley and I'm doubting we will ever play there."
In 2018, they did play in another famous football stadium. The Veltins-Arena in Gelsenkirchen, home of football club Schalke 04. That tournament was won by Mensur Suljovic, who then beat Dimitri van den Bergh 8-2 in the final. Van den Bergh had earlier in the tournament defeated Van Gerwen in the quarter-finals.
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