VAN GERWEN WARNED FALL OUT OF TOP 10 IS INEVITABLE

MICHAEL VAN GERWEN has been told a fall out of the world’s top ten is inevitable as the impact of injury continues to be felt.

The three-time world champion went under the knife in 2022 to treat carpal tunnel syndrome in his right arm — surgery that forced him to change his throwing action.

‘Mighty Mike’ failed to win a ranked major title for the last three years and has been forced to adjust his technique at the oche. MVG has also dropped out of the world’s top three for the first time since 2012.

Former pro Matt Edgar believes the decline could accelerate and says it is unrealistic to expect the Dutchman to return to his previous level.

Speaking on the Mission Darts Podcast, Edgar said: “Phil Taylor never went through a carpal tunnel operation like Michael van Gerwen has.

“As somebody who has struggled with wrist problems and nerve damage in my arm, you are never mentally the same again. Never.

“And you tell me one darts player who’s suffered from any form of injury and bounced back — you’re never the same.

“I don’t believe Michael and his action are the same.

“He’s spoken about the fact he can’t turn the wrist away like he used to, so his action has had to change.

“The fact the dart now sits down in the hand means he has to throw using the shoulder a lot more.

“Yes, he’s adapting and he can still play a good level of darts, but it’s not him.

“He’s got a big year this year and he’s defending a lot of prize money.

“I reckon he’s going to be around world No12 by the end of the year.”

Van Gerwen returns to action this Thursday at the Bahrain Masters in Sakhir, with questions hanging over whether he can halt the slide.

World No4 Van Gerwen finished runner-up on his only previous appearance at the World Series event in 2024, losing 8-5 to teenage star Luke Littler.

Image by Taylor Lanning.