Darts no.1 van Gerwen: "I would rather watch football"

By Oli Gross

- Last updated on GMT

Darts no.1 van Gerwen: "I would rather watch football"

Related tags Darts

World darts number one Michael van Gerwen revels in the pub-like atmosphere during tournaments. He beats his chest, cheers, and pumps his fist as he reels off 180 after 180. 

But despite embracing a role of hero or villain (depending where your money is) in a darts theatre with escalating popularity, "Mighty Mike" doesn't bother watching when off stage.

"I never watch darts, I would rather watch a football game," van Gerwen told the Publican's Morning Advertiser​.

And the favourite for the World Darts Championship, which kicks off on Sky Sports tomorrow (18 December) "never" watches his opponent during a match either.

Play your own game

"Focus on your own game. There are players who play the player, like James Wade, but I don’t do that," he said.

Van Gerwen's mentality paid off in 2014, when he shook off a feisty crowd firmly supporting Peter Wright to win his first title.

"If you really concentrate on the game you don't notice," he said.

"They want to have a nice evening out, they pay a lot of money and want to have a lot of good times. If they want to make a bit of noise, it's all part of the show.

"With Peter Wright, it was like 2v1. But the crowd couldn't put me off my rhythm."

No pubs

Unlike defending champion Gary Anderson, who learnt to play while working behind the bar​ at the Wellington Arms in Rooksbridge, Somerset, MVG said he "wasn't allowed" to play in the pub while practising from a young age.

"And it used to be possible to have games in the pub, but not any more. TV is the most important thing for darts," he said.

True to his inward mentality, van Gerwen said he can't pick out an up-and-coming player to look out for.

"I was quite good at a really young age, so to compare them to me at their age, they aren't that good," he said.

Favourite

And van Gerwen isn't letting the pressure of expectation get to him. "When you are the favourite, it gives you a fantastic boost," he said.

"I'm really content. It’s been an amazing year. I'm by far the most consistent on the circuit - I'm playing the best, it's been the best year of my career."

Five world titles

Having already won a world title two years ago, when he was 24, van Gerwen wants five world titles before he retires.

"And I've got a couple for years to go, but you need to keep the hunger going," he added.

The supremely confident world number one will start the championship against a qualifier.

"I'll get to the venue four hours before, have a couple of hours' practice and get in my zone. I don't know the player so it will be a surprise for me. I'll make sure I'm prepared," he added.

Find out how pubs can prepare for the tournament here​.

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