MICHAEL VAN GERWEN could make his return to the Darts World Cup this year after missing three of the last four events.
The Dutchman is one-half of the most successful pairing in the competition’s history after winning it three times alongside Raymond van Barneveld.
With the emergence of PDC World Championship finalist Gian van Veen, not only is Holland now considered among the favourites but Van Gerwen himself has to prove he is still his country’s top player.
When asked about appearing in the World Cup, Van Gerwen opened the door for the first time.
Van Gerwen said: “Could be. It’s a good possibility I’m going to play this year.”
The three-time world champion has seen Van Veen usurp him in the world rankings, moving into third and knocking him down into fourth.
And that’s providing fresh motivation for the 36-year-old.
He added: “If that’s not in my mindset, then that’s the day I’m going to stop. You know what I mean? You always need to look in front and look ahead.
“That’s the most important thing, also for your own game and for everything.
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“You need to have that hunger. Otherwise, you’re just going to be another player on the tour and you’re going to be miserable.
“I’m a positive man, and that’s why I also want to try to deliver in my game and in the way I am.”
England have won the Darts World Cup a record five times, but the reigning champions are Northern Ireland thanks to Josh Rock and Daryl Gurney.
Van Gerwen’s success in the tournament came in a five year spell alongside four-time champion Van Barneveld.
Their victories came in 2014, 2017, and 2018, cementing their status as one of the sport’s greatest duos.
But now Van Veen is on the scene, one of them will inevitably have to make way.
