The PDC announced on Friday that the World Matchplay (July 18-26) will take place on its original dates this year. Whether spectators are allowed to attend or not will not be announced until July 4.

Michael van Gerwen is satisfied that the World Matchplay will continue and is looking forward to it fans or not.

The three-time world champion has won the World Matchplay twice, most recently in 2016.

With the words “I want this back,” he is clear about his ambitions for the first major tournament after Coronavirus after beginning to play somewhat back to his best again after a barren spell before the UK Open.

“Now I have something to aim at. Time to get ready and go through the gears. I want this one back,” said Van Gerwen to Twitter.

The tournament normally takes place at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool. If spectators are not allowed in, there may be an alternative venue which suits playing behind closed doors.

https://twitter.com/MvG180/status/1268984639538020353?s=20