Van Gerwen sights set on one goal for Premier League Darts at Ahoy: 'Only winning is good enough'

The Premier League comes to Rotterdam on Thursday. In front of a packed Ahoy, Michael van Gerwen wants to shine again and win a night for the third time this year.

Van Gerwen is gradually coming back to the surface after a lesser period. Especially his early retirement at the last World Championship, which he had to leave after a positive COVID-19 test, has taken a heavy toll. "That was just a nightmare and it hurt a lot. I felt I was very good and really believed I could win the tournament", Van Gerwen said to De Telegraaf.

"I just did everything I could to avoid corona", Mighty Mike continued. "At the World Championships the prize money is well shared out, so I gave everything to be good in London. I didn't have any problems at all, which made it extra difficult. But I don't blame anyone, the virus spread like wildfire."

Van Gerwen went on holiday after the PDC World Darts Championship, but realised there that he is still attached to darts.

"Normally you don't give it much thought and you just carry on. I also know now that I don't want to stop for the time being. I quickly missed the adrenaline that was flowing through my body."

The 32-year-old Dutchman struggled with a crisis of confidence for a long time. "Of course, my self-confidence is dented. But you have to get over that. In the end, there is only one medicine and that is to win. That is the only way to really get back on top. How do you do that? I knew I had to put the wheels in motion and keep going.

Van Gerwen will take to the Ahoy stage on Thursday and is happy with the new format of the Premier League, with a tournament every week from the quarter-finals onwards.

"To get a week victory, we now have to win three matches at the highest level. That's not easy, but when we do, it's very satisfying. For the people at home and in the hall, it is of course very nice. They are watching an evening that is working towards a climax and with a bit of luck you will see your favourite player in action three times."

Expectations are high: "I'm looking forward to getting goose pimples on my arms again. It's very simple, I just have to win on Thursday night."