Van Gerwen on main expenditure during cost of living crisis: "Probably my gas bill at the moment, life is getting more and more expensive"

For many the cost of living crisis has dominated discussions over Christmas and despite being one of the most richest players in darts, Michael van Gerwen still has seen the pinch.

Van Gerwen speaking before the World Darts Championship which he is favourite to seal £500,000 at spoke about the cost of gas as well as a rich lifestyle being his main outgoings.

"I love winning tournaments, I love performing on stage, I like the game still too much and, yes, I like the money. That's why I do it. I have an expensive lifestyle, I admit that. Of course, we like to do nice things with our earnings," he said as per Daily Star Sport.

“What's my biggest expenditure so far? Probably my gas bill at the moment! Life is getting more and more expensive for everyone. But if you like to do nice things, you have to work hard at it or work longer. Fortunately, I don’t have a problem with working.”

But as favourite, who does he see as his main rivals. Michael Smith personally holds a spot in those looking to topple the Green Machine.

"Yeah [I'm the favourite], I would go into the tournament as favourite anyway even without the wins,” Van Gerwen continued.

"People always want to beat me, I know that. I have a big target on my back, but I can handle it. I've been under pressure so many times, and most of the time, I've survived. As long as you keep working, keep digging, then everything works out."

"It's a bit weird. Because of course Peter Wright, Gerwyn Price, Michael Smith, they are all phenomenal players, who are doing well," he added. "Luke Humphries is doing well recently, and then you never know with Jonny Clayton. "But there's not really someone standing up after me on tournaments. If I had to say, someone who is on form at the moment is Michael Smith."