VAN GERWEN ADMITS HUMPHRIES IS A DANGER

MICHAEL van Gerwen believes only Luke Humphries can be a new name on the World Championship trophy.

The dynamic Dutchman was talking on stage with Michael Smith, Peter Wright, Gary Anderson, Gerwyn Price and Rob Cross at last week’s PDC 30 years Worlds celebration in London.

MVG, 34, had just lost the Players Championship final to Humphries after a dramatic finish and admitted that the new World No.3 is a dangerman at the Ally Pally.

On which name would win the Worlds on January 3, he said: “There’s only one player outside the players on this stage, there’s only one guy more. 

“He (Luke) is doing fantastic. But, what we always say, it’s a different kind of pressure. He knows that as well.

“You don’t need a massive amount of luck. But it has to go your way at certain moments. 

“At certain times you have to be a bit more fortunate. But people with form, talent and how mentally strong they are. It has to be in place.”

Van Gerwen also believes that Phil Taylor was the strongest player in the world…but not the biggest talent ever.

He added: “Do Adrian Lewis or Gary Anderson have less talent than me? No, I don’t believe that. Are they more relaxed than me? Yes, I would say they are. 

“If I lost, I would think, it cannot happen to me. It is probably the same with Phil. Is Phil the biggest talent to play in the world? I’d say no. But is he mentally stronger? Probably as strong as I had ever seen. 

“Of course he knew the game by the book. Playing against these guys, made you hungrier, made you work harder.”

Van Gerwen also revealed he misses the banter with Taylor and Lewis now not at the top. 

He added: “I missed you guys. I miss those good times in the practice rooms. I love the verbals. Even it’s my second language, I still try. I still try to battle through it…”

Images by Taylor Lanning.