VAN GERWEN WARNS RIVALS AFTER PICKING UP PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP 15 TITLE
12/05/2026 By Aaron Nijjar
MICHAEL VAN GERWEN warned rivals “don’t write me off” after storming to Players Championship 15 glory.
Mighty Mike picked up his first floor title since October 15, 2024 after beating Dirk van Duijvenbode 8-5 in the final to claim a record-extending 37th crown.
The world No.4 produced a stunning display in the semi-finals, averaging a jaw dropping 122.34 as he whitewashed Martin Schindler 7-0.
Earlier in the day, Van Gerwen fired in another brilliant average of 102.47 to beat Beau Greaves 6-2 in the quarter-finals.
The Dutchman had also seen off compatriot Gian van Veen 6-4 in the last 16.
Van Gerwen believes his recent performances show he is getting back to his best after a difficult spell.
He said: “At the beginning of the day I was struggling more with myself because I had the power in myself, but I played okay.
“I could have done a little bit more here and there and missed too many doubles. But the last three or four games I can’t complain.
“I played fantastic darts against Beau. Martin Schindler, I absolutely destroyed him. Then the final against Dirk, what a day.
“I’ve hit a big average before against Michael Smith in the Premier League but normally you need two good players to do that.
“Because the other player needs to win a leg and then you don’t get a shot on your doubles.
“So your average keeps getting high. But now I had to do it all myself, he only had two darts at a double.
“That gave me a really good feeling. For me, more importantly, after a very long time I won a ProTour today like this and it means a lot.
“I have been playing well the last couple of weeks with a couple of ton-plus averages.
“That is all part of the game. You have to keep your head going and believe in your own ability.
“I am playing good darts now so I don’t really care.”
The three-time world champion also praised Van Duijvenbode after their thrilling bout in the event showpiece.
He added: “I am proud of Dirk too because he is going through a tough time like me.
“For us to both be in the final is good for Dutch darts but we both really needed form for the rest of the year.
“The Premier League is waiting around the corner but for me ranking tournaments are the priority because of my ranking.
“I don’t set myself any targets because I don’t think I am in the position.
“But everyone knows what I am capable of so don’t write me off.”
Image by Taylor Lanning.
