Van Gerwen gives verdict on open draw at UK Open: "If you have to play against some numpty, it won't give you much satisfaction"

Michael van Gerwen started the UK Open on Friday night with a 10-7 win over rival Gary Anderson. Post match, he had mixed feelings.

“It went well at times. I think in the important moments - especially at the start - I hurt him a lot'', Van Gerwen reacted to Dartsnews afterwards . Mighty Mike wasn't completely satisfied, though. “It wasn't great, it was hard work here and there. I think I did the right things at the right times. I had opportunities to make it a little easier on myself, I failed to do that, but I won the game and that's very important."  

The open draw used in this tournament allowed Van Gerwen to face a player of Anderson's caliber early on. However, the number three in the world did not mind that much.

"You do get satisfaction from matches against Gary Anderson. If you have to play against some numpty and you win 10-2 or 10-3, it won't give you much satisfaction. This will allow me to build on to the next match and I hope I can do that.”

Van Gerwen won this special tournament in 2015, 2016 and 2020. He considers this tournament a good addition to the PDC calendar because of its unique format.

"It's something different for once. Same as with the Grand Slam of Darts (group system) and the World Grand Prix (double-in, double-out). It's different from normal and that's fun for once'', says Van Gerwen.