Huybrechts fears Van Gerwen's single life is catching up with him

KIM HUYBRECHTS reckons Michael van Gerwen's life as a single man is starting to catch up with him on the oche.

The world No53 believes the Dutch icon is "enjoying life a bit too much" following his divorce and insists rivals no longer fear facing the three-time world champion.

Van Gerwen, 36, suffered his latest blow when he crashed out of the World Matchplay after a 14-12 defeat to fellow compatriot Dirk van Duijvenbode in Blackpool.

It means Mighty Mike has failed to reach the quarter-finals of the opening four major ranking events of a season for the first time since 2011.

MVG also tumbled outside the world's top five on the PDC Order of Merit for the first time since 2012.

Huybrechts reckons Van Gerwen’s priorities have shifted away from darts.

He told Sportsnieuws: "I do think Michael is still hungry, but he's no longer living up to that hunger.

“I think he’s enjoying life a bit too much now. Which is absolutely his right.

“He sacrificed everything for darts for twenty years and lived for his family.

“But you can’t expect that if you fully enjoy parties, holidays, and the free life, you’ll also perform at the top level every week.

"I think that since Michael became single, he's been enjoying life a lot more.

"But you have to work hard to stay at the top. Ultimately, that's a decision only Michael can make."

Huybrechts also believes Van Gerwen has lost the aura that once made him almost unbeatable in the biggest moments.

He added: “Michael is one of the kings of winning tight matches.

“But the coin is landing his way less and less. That might be a worrying sign.

“In the past you knew: I have to play a world-class match to beat Michael. Now players think: if I just play well, I can beat Michael too.”

Despite his concerns, Huybrechts is convinced Van Gerwen still has what it takes to add to his incredible haul of 48 major titles.

He continued: “He’s in danger of falling into a position he’s never been in. But that doesn’t mean he can’t become world champion again. He still has those qualities.”

Words: Aaron Nijjar

Image: Taylor Lanning