**Concerns Mount Over Michael van Gerwen’s Form as Dutch Star Withdraws from Darts Tournament**
Darts fans were left anxious this week after confirmation that Michael van Gerwen, one of the sport’s most decorated figures, has withdrawn from the Players Championship 16. The Dutch sensation’s absence comes on the heels of a first-round defeat in the previous edition of the tournament – his sixth opening-round exit in this year’s Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) ProTour events.
The three-time world champion, affectionately known as MVG, was narrowly edged out 6-5 by world number 96, Dominik Gruellich, in a loss that further intensified scrutiny on his recent performances. Van Gerwen, just 36 years old and once a seemingly unstoppable force at the oche, is enduring a noticeably difficult spell. Friends and fans alike are beginning to question how soon, if at all, the Dutchman can recapture his previous brilliance.
Perhaps the most telling remarks came from Van Gerwen’s close friend and fellow professional, Vincent van der Voort, who expressed deep concern on the Darts Draait Door podcast. Van der Voort pulled no punches in his assessment, stating, “When I see how things are going, the belief just isn’t there. His presence is lacking; there’s no aggression or passion in his game. It’s just about throwing at the board and hoping for the best.” Such observations, coming from someone within Van Gerwen’s inner circle, will likely raise even more questions about what’s next for the Dutchman.
This downturn could not come at a more critical juncture in the darts calendar. Van Gerwen, a regular on the play-off night at London’s O2 Arena, has won the Premier League Darts a record seven times and missed the finals only once in 12 years. However, at this stage of the 2025 season, his place in the prestigious Premier League Darts Play-Offs is far from secure. He currently occupies fourth position, a single point ahead of his nearest rival, Nathan Aspinall, and notably has not claimed a nightly victory this season.
With only two rounds remaining – in Aberdeen and Sheffield – the pressure is mounting. The fierce competition for qualification means Van Gerwen must deliver his best darts just to retain his spot, let alone challenge for the title. This precarious position is compounded by his recent absence at the Berlin Premier League night, where he was forced to withdraw because of an unusual neck injury reportedly suffered while trying on shirts.
Despite this string of obstacles, Van Gerwen has sought to reassure supporters that he retains the hunger and determination which made him a modern legend of the sport. The Dutchman has acknowledged his recent struggles but insists his commitment remains undiminished. He was candid in addressing the situation, remarking, “You have to look to the future. I changed darts for a reason, to get my mind off things. When you aren’t 100 per cent comfortable, it’s a nice thing, but it didn’t work out as I wanted it to.”
He continued, “It’s not the most pleasant moment in my career. I’ll never give up. I’ll fight for everything. I know it’s still there. You don’t lose talent like that.” These words are certain to offer some reassurance for fans, even if his recent results on the oche suggest a challenging road ahead.
Observers note that Van Gerwen’s spell of indifferent form comes at a time when competition within the PDC is stronger than ever. A new generation of players is fast establishing itself, with even experienced campaigners finding it difficult to string together consistent success. Some analysts believe Van Gerwen may be suffering as much from the rising standards as from any personal issues.
Nevertheless, Van Gerwen’s legacy as one of the sport’s greatest remains intact. His current predicament, while worrying, may simply prove to be a temporary setback in an otherwise stellar career. Ultimately, the next few weeks will be crucial in determining whether the Dutchman can rediscover his best or if persistent struggles will continue to cast a shadow over his future prospects in top-level darts. Fans and the wider darts community will be watching closely as events unfold.