Michael van Gerwen talks to Sky Sports News’ Ben Ransom about spending Christmas next door to Dutch player Vincent van der Voort in his hotel room; misses his family back to Holland and aims for fourth world crown at Alexandra Palace on Sunday, January 3
Last updated: 24/12/20 2:43 pm
Michael van Gerwen spends Christmas away from his family because of new coronavirus protocols
Michael van Gerwen says spending Christmas in his hotel room is the “sacrifice” he has to make as he aims for his fourth world championship title at Alexandra Palace.
The world No. 1 won its opening game of the 2020/21 tournament with an impressive display against Ryan Murray of Scotland on Saturday night.
But his plans to spend Christmas at home in the Netherlands with his wife, Daphne, his three-year-old daughter, Zoë, and their toddler Mike Jr., were heard when the news that the UK’s borders being closed to the rest of Europe due to fears about the new Covid-19 version.
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“I moved home (to Holland) at 5.30am on Sunday, but when I got home I talked to my wife and she wasn’t at all sure about it (coronavirus condition) as well as I was, so we did. we both decided – before the UK Government decided to close the borders – to go back, “Van Gerwen said Sky Sports News.
“I made the right choice in another way I could be locked up in Holland. You have to make sure you do the right things for yourself and this is the most important competition of the year. You want to be sharp here and indeed making sacrifices like that is part of your journey. “
Van Gerwen had already given this year’s gifts to his two young children on St Nicholas’ Night – a national holiday in the Netherlands on 5 December when ‘Sinterklaas’ will give them presents.
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December 27, 2020, 6:00 pm
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MVG has to do about spending Christmas with partner Vincent van der Voort
‘The Green Machine’ may not have hit a tip so far this year with Phil Taylor, the 16-time world champion questioning his hunger, but Van Gerwen is all thinking of facing his next rival, ‘Rapid’ Ricky Evans in the third round on Sunday, December 27th.
“On Christmas Day we have food together, but the rest of the time it’s just darts. But that’s the same thing every year,” the Dutchman said.
“This is my first year with my son ‘s Christmas, so that’s a little different. But what can you do? I’m a professional so I know what to do to win titles.
“I’m in my room this year. Luckily, I have enough space and a few bumps and bumps to make sure I’m comfortable. I might go to work and prepare for my third round game so the only thing I can think about is preparing myself for that.
“My good friend Vincent van der Voort is in the room next to me and we have a connecting door so we can share a lot of time together. That makes things a little easier for you. On the 26th, we ‘get our third test (coronavirus) but the only thing that counts for me is this world’ s competition.
“My family is used to not being around me over Christmas and New Year’s Eve. “
Sunday at the World Championships
| Afternoon (12pm) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Round Three | Krzysztof Ratajski | vs. | Simon Whitlock |
| Round Three | Kim Huybrechts | vs. | Ryan Searle |
| Round Three | Dimitri Van den Bergh | vs. | Jermaine Wattimena |
| Afternoon (6pm) | |||
| Round Three | Joe Cullen | vs. | Jonny Clayton |
| Round Three | Patrick Wright | vs. | Gabriel Clemens |
| Round Three | Michael van Gerwen | vs. | Ricky Evans |
I know I can and I know I’m going to win the title because you have to believe in yourself. You need to focus and be proactive.
Michael van Gerwen promises to win the Worlds again
Van Gerwen has outperformed the tournament so far, averaging 108.98 in a 3-1 loss to Murray.
The main seed was not on its own way as an impressive Murray lost a gart to take the tournament to a decision set after keeping up with Van Gerwen in spells.
“I felt great with my preparation and I know Ryan is a great player and you know he is the start of the World so you always want something more. “If you can do that it’s a huge benefit for you and you need to make sure that you keep doing the right thing for the next round.
“It’s a long competition with a gap between them so you have to make sure you make the most of it.
“You always have to think you can do it better. It was only a second round, it’s just one game of darts, so you have to make sure you keep your feet on the ground and do the one thing for the next round. “
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December 27, 2020, 12:00 pm
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4:13 Van Gerwen says he feels sharp and desperate to go despite fear of Ryan Murray at he Worlds
Van Gerwen, who applied for the Players’ Championship Rounds title last month, continued: “I know when I’ve started Worlds before in good shape, I usually continue with the That’s exactly what I want to do now too, despite playing in different settings, without crowds, and different arrangements because I haven’t been home.
“You have to make changes but that’s also part of being a pro so you have to be flexible. The most important thing now is to keep my mind cool and make sure I have to do it in the next round. I have won nothing yet. “
Van Gerwen will face Ricky Evans in a replay of their third-round match last year, which won the Dutch ace 4-0
Van Gerwen, who is running for a fourth world title, says he is ready to hold the Sid Waddell Cup again after losing to Peter Wright in last year ‘s final.
“I have the ability, I have the right mindset and now I have to make sure I do it under these circumstances and at this level,” he said.
“I know I can and I know I’m going to win the title because you have to believe in yourself. You have to be focused and be positive.”
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