VAN GERWEN READY TO RULE AGAIN AFTER BREAK

MICHAEL VAN GERWEN insists “Michael 2.0” is back and ready to conquer the darting world again. 

The Dutchman recently took time away from the sport after announcing he is divorcing wife of 11 years Daphne. 

Three-time world champion Van Gerwen dropped out of the Dutch Darts Championship and has not played since night 16 of the Premier League on May 22. 

‘The Green Machine’ will return to action this weekend at the US Masters in New York. 

World No. 3 Van Gerwen has tasted success in 2017 and 2023 at the World Series event. 

47-times major winner Van Gerwen believes America is the perfect place to launch his return. 

He said: “It’s always good to be coming back to America.   

“I love playing here and I have a great record here as well.   

“To be back here it feels like a homecoming.   

“I’m glad I can be a part of it. Every tournament I am competing at I want to win of course.   

“But for me I just like it here. It gives me extra energy.  

“Darts in America is growing.

“Now with the PDC and new streaming Platform with Peacock, I think it can go to the next level.” 

‘Mighty Mike’ shares two children with Daphne and admits fatherhood now comes before anything else. 

He added: “I am really excited to be back. Everyone knows I had a really tough time.  

“I’m dealing with it and I’m living by the moment. For me I would not be here if didn’t think I could win.  

“I want to come here and put my hat on something else which I think is really important.  

“I still love what I do. I love playing darts. But I have one thing that I love more and that is my kids.” 

Van Gerwen revealed he’s stepping into the unknown after a rare extended break — but says he’s mentally prepared to deliver. 

He explained: “It’s gonna be a new Michael 2.0. I’m not here to just be a participant I am here to try and do a good job.  

“I also need to be realistic. I have never been in this situation of having so many weeks of not playing competitive darts.  

“I’m also a realistic man but my head says I need to smash them.”

Image by Taylor Lanning.