VAN GERWEN BLASTS THEATRICAL WALK-ONS

MICHAEL VAN GERWEN has hit out at darts’ more theatrical walk-ons after claiming some players are using music and crowd interaction to make up for a lack of ability.

World No3 Van Gerwen has little time for gimmicks and believes results on the oche should do the talking.

‘Mighty Mike’ was asked about the worst walk-on in the sport and suggested certain players are starting to believe their entrances matter more than their darts.

Van Gerwen told talkSPORT: “Some dart players now think their walk-on music makes them a better dart player.

“Some people have started to believe too much in themselves now.

“They all milk it because their ability is a little bit less, so they have to try and get the crowd on their side somehow.”

Van Gerwen was later quizzed on Dimitri Van den Bergh’s dancing routine to ‘Happy’ by Pharrell Williams during his old walk-on.

The three-time world champ did not hold back and replied: “It was horrific. The worst one ever. That’s why he’s at home now and I’m here.”

MVG also says it is hard to draw direct comparisons between players from different eras when discussing darts’ greatest of all time.

He added: “It’s difficult to compare, I think.

“Who is the greatest football player? (Diego) Maradona? Is it (Lionel) Messi? Is it Pele? Is it Johan Cruyff? Do you know what I mean?

“It’s different eras. We can’t compare them with each other, so it’s tough. Same with football.

“I’m not going to answer that. I’m the best. I’m not going to say I’m the greatest, but I know I’m the best one.”

But when asked whether he is the best player of the last 20 years, the Dutchman said: “100 per cent.”

That confidence comes despite Phil Taylor’s record haul of 16 world titles, with Van Gerwen the closest challenger on the honours list.

And when it was put to him that overhauling Taylor’s tally is unlikely, Van Gerwen fired back: “I made him retire.”

Van Gerwen returns to action on December 23 when he takes on William O’Connor in round two of the World Championship.

Image by Taylor Lanning.