Van Gerwen makes shock confession over unusual darts habit

MICHAEL VAN GERWEN has revealed he has never watched his own matches back despite spending nearly two decades at the top of darts.

The world No7 admits he has little interest in following the sport away from the oche and would always rather be playing himself.

Van Gerwen, 36, believes the amount of technology and analysis available today can cause young players to overthink their game.

He told Winmau: “It can do. It doesn’t have to. But it can be, of course.”

Mighty Mike has enjoyed a glittering career, winning 48 major titles including THREE World Championship crowns.

The Dutchman has also dominated the European Tour with a record 38 titles, while his 37 Players Championship victories rank second only to Phil Taylor’s tally.

Van Gerwen has surprisingly never been a fan of dissecting his own performances and insists his focus has always been on getting back on the practice board

He added: “I never did in my life. I don’t even like watching darts.

“Sometimes if a friend like Vincent [Van der Voort] used to play or things like that.

“Or if Luke [Littler] against Luke [Humphries] are playing maybe a final.

“I put on some live scores, but I’m not going to watch it at all.

“I’d rather play than watch. Simple as that. I always say the same, so it would be really weird to change my opinion.”

Van Gerwen returned to action at Players Championship 25 in Hildesheim today but was knocked out in the last 32 after a 6-4 defeat to Jeffrey de Graaf, despite averaging an impressive 105.34.

Words: Aaron Nijjar

Image: Taylor Lanning