"You simply can’t say right now that he’s ready for the World Matchplay"– Michael van Gerwen receives warning ahead of important major
PDCFriday, 03 July 2026 at 14:30
With the World Matchplay on the horizon, Vincent van der Voort believes it is far from clear where Michael van Gerwen stands. In the podcast Darts Draait Door, the former pro looked ahead to the biggest ranking event of the summer and voiced concerns about the current form of the three-time world champion. At the same time, he spoke at length about the potential takeover of Target Darts, the impact of equipment changes, and the positive developments surrounding Raymond van Barneveld.
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Although Van Gerwen made a strong impression at the World Cup of Darts, Van der Voort feels it is far too early to conclude that his best form is definitively back.
“You simply can’t say right now that he’s ready for the World Matchplay. If you look at how he performed at the World Cup, you hope that version of Van Gerwen also goes to Blackpool. But I found him very vulnerable again on the Euro Tour.”
According to Van der Voort, the key over the coming weeks lies entirely in preparation. “He needs to practice a lot, he needs to put the work in. He’s playing two ProTours next week and then a Euro Tour. You hope he goes there with that mindset and that he delivers.”
First major blow in the world rankings looms
The next few weeks could also have major consequences for Van Gerwen’s position in the world rankings. For the first time in years, he risks dropping out of the top eight. “That would be quite a moment.”
Van der Voort says his good friend is undoubtedly aware of that, although he would rather avoid the topic. “He just doesn’t talk about it. Of course you mention it sometimes, but he has a very busy autumn ahead and that’s where it has to happen.”
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He stresses that Van Gerwen should not fixate on the rankings. “You also have to make sure you’re not only focused on that. You need to attack that tournament with the goal of simply winning it.”
That said, Van der Voort believes the pressure in Blackpool will be immense. “I do think there will be a lot of pressure on him during that tournament.”
Michael van Gerwen must defend a lot of prize money on the world rankings in 2026
Gian van Veen closing in on the world elite
While Van Gerwen has points to defend, Van der Voort sees another Dutchman edging ever closer to the absolute world elite. Gian van Veen is making big strides, he says, and could in time even grow into the world number two.
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“Maybe it won’t happen immediately, but if he has a good Matchplay and the others don’t, it can go very quickly.”
That automatically means, according to Van der Voort, that Van Gerwen should not only focus on himself. “I think it’s especially Van Gerwen who should be worried.”
Possible Target takeover sparks debate
Another striking topic in the podcast was the potential takeover of Target Darts by Nodor, the parent company behind, among others, Winmau and Red Dragon. In England, it has become big news, as it would bring the two largest darts manufacturers under one roof.
Van der Voort understands the business logic behind the deal but also sees the downside. “For the sport of darts, it’s obviously not great if that happens. They would become very big and very powerful.”
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He believes players in particular would feel the effects. “Negotiations become very difficult. Whether you’re with Winmau or with Target, you’re ultimately sitting at the same table.”
Even so, he does not expect Nodor to proceed unprepared. “There are genuinely intelligent people working there. They won’t have slept on this for just one night.”
Whether the takeover will ultimately be approved remains to be seen. “Apparently there are all sorts of rules that mean you can’t just gain that much power.”
Not every switch is a success
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Van der Voort knows better than most that switching to another manufacturer does not automatically bring better results. He once moved with Van Gerwen from XQMax to Winmau. “That was difficult for Michael too. And certainly for me as well.”
Precisely because players use the same equipment for years, adapting is often harder than expected, he says. “You win fewer matches and that comes at the expense of your confidence. Then you’re very quickly inclined to revert to your old darts.”
He cites Michael Smith as a clear example of a switch that worked out less well on the sporting side. “After his world title he made a change. That ultimately didn’t turn out great.”
At the same time, Van der Voort also sees examples where a change proved positive. He points to Josh Rock, who clearly progressed after moving from Mission. “With different darts and a different flight and shaft system, he has genuinely improved.”
According to Van der Voort, the absolute top players hardly change their equipment anyway. “If you look at Gerwyn Price, James Wade or Michael, not much really changes.”
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New energy around Raymond van Barneveld
Raymond van Barneveld also came up for extensive discussion. The five-time world champion recently switched to new management and, according to Van der Voort, it seems to be doing him visibly good. “He was really positive.”
Barney has since moved and, although he is still waiting for the furnishing of his new home, Van der Voort notices that there is movement around him again. “They are organizing exhibitions for him. They’re also looking at what he can do after his career. Things are happening around him again.”
That is exactly what gives Van Barneveld fresh energy. “There are people looking out for him again and working on his behalf. That naturally makes him happy.”
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Raymond van Barneveld has also recently acquired a home in England
They are even cautiously considering a role after his playing days. “They’re looking at all kinds of options.” A role as an ambassador for darts is among the possibilities, according to Van der Voort, although he adds a caveat. “Ambassador for darts is, of course, a very broad concept. Who is going to pay for that? And who is going to pay him?”
He does not immediately expect the PDC to offer Van Barneveld such an official position. “I don’t believe the PDC is going to give him that role.” He does see other avenues. “Maybe he’ll become an ambassador at Target. Or perhaps with Bulls Nederland to further promote Dutch darts. That could be something very special as well.”
For now, the prevailing feeling, according to Van der Voort, is mainly positive. “Thanks to that new management, they are truly working for him. He’s hearing about developments again, and he was very positive about that. Let’s hope he manages to hold on to that positivity.”
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Samuel GillChief Content Officer
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of DartsNews.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy across professional darts coverage. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces, playing a central role in the development and daily operation of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has extensive experience in darts media and has been closely involved in coverage of the professional darts circuit for several years. Within the UK darts community, he is a recognised figure known for his consistent editorial output and ongoing reporting on major tournaments and developments across the PDC calendar.
In his current role, Samuel works closely with editors and writers to ensure content meets clear journalistic standards, with a focus on source verification, editorial consistency, and timely updates when new, confirmed information becomes available.
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