Michael van Gerwen won the UK Open in 2020, which means the 32-year-old will have to defend the prize money he won two years ago at the next edition (March 4-6).
He won £100,000 in prize money two years ago. With James Wade and Michael Smith close behind Van Gerwen on the world rankings, Mighty Mike risks losing his third spot on the PDC Order of Merit this weekend.
Van Gerwen will have to reach at least the semi-finals to keep Wade behind him after the UK Open. Smith is also only 16,500 pounds behind the Dutchman. If Van Gerwen loses before the semi-final, Smith can also pass him with reaching the final in Minehead.