VAN GERWEN HINTS AT WORLD CUP RETURN

MICHAEL VAN GERWEN has hinted he could return to the World Cup this year.

‘Mighty Mike’ has sat out three of the last four editions while managing his workload in a packed darts calendar.

MVG could be joined by Ally Pally finalist Gian van Veen, who broke into the world’s top three at the expense of his Dutch compatriot for the first time since 2012.

The Netherlands would be seeded second, increasing hopes of ending their eight-year title drought.

Van Gerwen said: “Could be. It’s a good possibility I’m going to play this year.”

The three-time world champion insists he is working harder than ever to re-establish himself as Holland’s leading player.

He added: “If that’s not in my mindset, then that’s the day I’m going to stop. You know what I mean? You always need to look in front and look ahead,

“That’s the most important thing, also for your own game and for everything.

“You need to have that hunger. Otherwise, you’re just going to be another player on the tour and you’re going to be miserable.

“I’m a positive man, and that’s why I also want to try to deliver in my game and in the way I am.”

World No.4 Van Gerwen and Raymond van Barneveld went on to dominate the competition together and secure three national crowns.

Their victories came in 2014, 2017, and 2018, cementing their status as one of the sport’s greatest duos.

Image by Taylor Lanning.