Van Gerwen admits he is ‘not in the form’ he wants after Czech Open struggle

MICHAEL VAN GERWEN admitted he is “not in the form” he wants after scraping through to the Czech Darts Open third round.

The world No7 beat Mario Vandenbogaerde 6-4 with a 92.50 average in Prague.

Van Gerwen, 37, has endured a difficult campaign and is facing the possibility of failing to win a European Tour title for the first time since 2021.

The Dutchman played nine events this season without reaching a final and knows he still has work to do to rediscover his best.

He said: “I was trying really hard. Everyone knows I'm not in the form I want to be in.

“But I have to say one thing. I never, never, never had such an amazing crowd here. They were absolutely incredible to me and I only can be really appreciative for that.”

Mighty Mike was frustrated by his performance and admitted he had missed chances to take control of the contest.

He added: “My biggest mistake, I think, was chances to go 4-1 up.

“And of course, what you're saying, the conditions are tough, it's very hot in here, but I still had too many sloppy darts.”

Van Gerwen had felt far better during his preparation but could not reproduce that level once he stepped under the bright lights.

He continued: "I was practising backstage and I was feeling really good, and my darts were flying in nicely, but up here I couldn't really do it.

"But more importantly, it doesn't matter how you win, as long as you win."

Words: Aaron Nijjar

Image: Taylor Lanning