TAYLOR BELIEVES MVG FEAR GONE

By Aaron Nijjar 

PHIL TAYLOR has warned Michael van Gerwen that his fear factor on the oche has faded. 

MVG has suffered a mini-dip in form, crashing out of the Masters, UK Open, Belgian Open and is still awaiting a nightly win in the Premier League, where he faces Nathan Aspinall in Nottingham tonight (Thursday). 

Triple Ally Pally king Van Gerwen was knocked out of the second round in the Players Championship Six on Wednesday, losing 6-5 to Ryan Meikle. 

Just months ago ‘The Power’ backed ‘The Green Machine’ to turn the tide by winning this year’s Premier League. 

But now the greatest marksman of all time struggles to look beyond the two Lukes – World No.1 Humphries and reigning World champion Littler. 

The 16-time World champion said: “I actually tipped Michael to win it earlier because his form appeared to be enjoying a bit of an upsurge.   

“But I know exactly why he’s finding it harder to win tournaments now. 

“When you are younger, you don’t fear anybody – you went up there, you never thought about it, you were free as a bird and you just did it. 

“I used to stand behind Michael when I was playing against him and think, ‘How have you just done that?’ He was brilliant, out of this world. 

“But now he’s getting older and he’s thinking about it – whether it’s changing his darts, tinkering with his throwing action or whatever.” 

Taylor added: “Some of the players have told me, ‘We don’t fear him any more – Luke Humphries and Luke Littler are above him in the rankings now, they are calling the shots’. 

“It’s a bit like playing Manchester United at Old Trafford – opposition teams used to line up in the tunnel and know they were getting beat before a ball was kicked, but now the fear factor has gone.” 

But the 64-year stressed that Van Gerwen can remain a force in the game. 

He said: “Michael is still a fantastic player, one of the best, but players have worked out how to beat him. 

“It’s not just about ability – it’s about equipment, shoes, your shirt. 

“You’ve got to get everything right – live a boring life and dedicate yourself to winning like a tennis player or cricketer or a top footballer.” 

‘Mighty Mike’ remains an all-time great in the game winning a record seven Premier League titles.  

The Dutchman has won the most PDC Pro Tour events with a remarkable 91.