Michael van Gerwen suffered a surprising defeat in the fourth round of the UK Open against Mensur Suljovic last weekend. Halfway through the match, it appeared that 'Mighty Mike' had suffered an injury.
It turned out to be a shoulder injury. ''He injured his shoulder after about six or seven legs. He had a muscle that was playing up. Every time when lifting his arm and stretching it hurt. Those are two moments in his throw and then it becomes difficult, especially against a class player like Mensur Suljovic'', good friend Vincent van der Voort explains to Double Top.
Meanwhile, Van Gerwen is feeling a little better, although Van der Voort says that doesn't say much yet. ''Michael says he's less bothered by it now, but he hasn't played there yet either. It will be some more throwing and then see how things are then.''
On Thursday, Van Gerwen is expected in Brighton for the sixth round of Premier League Darts play, while next weekend the first Euro Tour tournament of the season will be played in Wieze.
Van der Voort thinks Van Gerwen will just make his appearance. ''The planning is that he will just go to the Euro Tour. Only if he is injured, then of course Michael should not go. If it is justifiable to play the Premier League, he will play the Premier League, but you shouldn't make it worse so he suffers much more in the long run,'' Van der Voort said.