Van Gerwen backed to win ‘a few majors’ after difficult 18 months

MICHAEL VAN GERWEN can still win “a few majors” despite his struggles on the oche.

The Dutchman has endured his worst start to a campaign in more than a decade.

Van Gerwen, 37, failed to reach a quarter-final at the opening four PDC Premier events of the season for the first time since 2011.

Mighty Mike has also dropped outside the world’s top five for the first time since 2012.

But former pro Colin Lloyd insists the three-time world champion remains far too good to be counted out.

He told BestBettingSites.co,uk: “I sometimes think Michael's got other things to think about personally with regard to family and all that sort of thing.

“So I don't think he's 101% at this moment in time. That's darts, darling, but there's no doubting how good he is.

“If you want to write him off as a player and as a competitor, that's going to be your downfall because he's still got it.

“And he knows he's still got it. He's still got that wry little smile about him. And as and when he does turn up, he's still an absolute joy to watch.

“He can still produce the brilliance that we're used to seeing. But it just hasn't been on a consistent basis the last 18 months or so.

“But I still think he can win some majors, and the big boys still look at him. I'm not saying they fear him; they respect him.

“He's earned that respect. And like I say, if you don't respect him, you're going to get punished.”

Van Gerwen announced his separation from his wife Daphne Govers in May 2025 after 11 years of marriage and 17 years together.

The world No7 has still shown flashes of his old self this season by winning the Nordic Masters and Bahrain Masters.

Lloyd feels Van Gerwen has not been able to give darts his full attention consistently but believes he can return to his best once things settle down away from the oche.

He added: “I'd say so. Michael's had some things in his private life going on. It's no one's business.

“Only Michael can deal with that. And rightly so. Michael is the consummate pro. He's always got time for the fans.

“And he's also a 101% player when it comes to playing darts because he knows it's given him a good life.

“He still loves the game of darts. And he's just too good.

“He's proved that this year already. He won two World Series earlier this year. I still think there are a few majors left in Michael.”

Words: Aaron Nijjar

Image: Taylor Lanning