VAN GERWEN SLAMS HIMSELF AFTER WORLDS EXIT

MICHAEL VAN GERWEN says he let himself down after crashing out of the World Championship.

‘Mighty Mike’ fell 4-1 against old rival Gary Anderson in the last 16 at Ally Pally to end a difficult year on and off the oche.

The Dutchman has failed to make the quarter-final of the major tournament for the first time since 2022.

Van Gerwen took full responsibility for the disappointing performance and revealed he will head back to the Netherlands tomorrow without delay.

He said: “From the start of the match, I let myself down in key moments.

“You can look at someone else, but in this defeat, I’m the culprit. I thought I was playing pretty well, but I had to put him in the right position.

“It should have been 2-2 in sets. I sold myself short. You might still lose if it’s 2-2, but 4-1 really wasn’t necessary.”

World No3 Van Gerwen claimed just two titles this year, marking his lowest tally since 2011.

Van Gerwen knows he must rediscover his form in 2026 and regain his focus.

He added: “I know better than anyone that it’s going to be a very important year. I’m not running away from that.

“I’ve never looked at the rankings and I don’t now either. It doesn’t interest me. I just have to perform.

“I’m going home and will have some rest. After that, I’ll be throwing again in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.

“I’ll be doing that with renewed energy, because I know what I’m capable of. It hurts that I don’t always show it, but I won’t give up. Ever.”

Image by Taylor Lanning.