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'Darts doesn't stop for me, or Phil Taylor': Barney beaten but Michael van Gerwen's biggest battles are off the oche

Originally posted on Dartsnews.com | Last updated Jul 22, 2025 9:52 AM ET

Michael van Gerwen admitted he is drawing strength from having his daughter with him at the 2025 World Matchplay, as he opened up in press including to DartsNews on an emotional and testing period in his personal life following a hard-fought first-round win over Raymond van Barneveld in Blackpool.

The three-time champion, who came through a patchy performance to see off his fellow Dutchman, revealed this is the first time his daughter has joined him at the tournament — something he’s cherishing amid a backdrop of serious personal challenges.

“Now we have a day off tomorrow, I can relax a little bit more, spend some time with my daughter — she’s here with me for the first time and I really enjoy that,” Van Gerwen said.

The Dutchman spoke candidly about what has been a deeply difficult time away from the oche. His father was diagnosed with cancer just last week, while he is also in the midst of a divorce. Yet despite all of that, the 2022 Matchplay winner is attempting to find calm and focus and says being a father gives him perspective and motivation.

“My dad had an operation — he had cancer last week — that’s why I’m playing today,” he said. “I’m in the middle of a divorce. I brought my daughter to give a bit to myself. But for the rest, I feel good. I feel more calm now, and I think from here on I can make steps.”

Despite a performance that saw him miss key doubles and let a commanding lead slip, Van Gerwen insisted there were positives to take, particularly his late scoring and clutch finishing and believes the first hurdle is often the hardest to clear.

“Of course the first rounds of tournaments are always tough,” he said. “But I hope we see a more relaxed version of me next time. That would be nice, it would be fair to me.”

He acknowledged that his lack of recent match sharpness, having played fewer events in recent months, made things more difficult. But he also stressed that the work being done behind the scenes on and off the board is just as important.

“I didn’t play a lot of tournaments the last few months. Normally you’re in better rhythm and everything helps you, but now it feels like you have to start from scratch. That makes it hard for myself,” he said. “I try to give every day an hour, hour and a half [to practice]. But it’s not only about practice at home — it’s everything together. The way you think, the way you believe, the way you act, the energy you have to show. The total practice has to be right.”

Asked if his priorities have shifted in light of recent events, Van Gerwen was unequivocal. “My priorities changed the moment my kids were born — you know what I mean? People can say whatever they want — it’s a fact. It changes people’s lives. “If you look at anyone else in the world — whatever their passion is, whatever their job is — if you ask them what comes first, it’s always their children. It’s the same with me.”

Van Gerwen admitted the last few months have taken a toll, but he remains determined to grow into the tournament — just as he has done in past years — and peak again when it matters most.

“It’s not only the first week for me. It’s a longer project,” he said. “From last May until now, a lot has been going on — not the nicest things. But that’s how life goes. You need to try to make the most of it. Find the balance.”

Van Gerwen doesn't get hype of Barney clash

On the board, Van Gerwen’s second-round opponent will be Josh Rock and he isn't overanalysing either test.

“It’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon,” he said. “I need to win more games at the highest level, then things will develop for me. But I have to give myself the time.”

With a recent World Championship final and Matchplay final still on his ranking, the 34-year-old is under less immediate pressure than some of his rivals — but insists he's not taking anything for granted.

“If you look at the rankings that way, you only put more pressure on yourself,” he said. “You’re not going to gain anything from that. You just try, game by game, to play as good as you can.”

His match against Van Barneveld, one of the sport’s most iconic rivalries, carried less emotional weight than some might expect, at least in Van Gerwen’s mind.

“They want the hype. But if you really look at the facts — it’s not hype,” he said. “I understand that, because what Raymond did for darts is incredible. But darts moves on. Darts doesn’t stop for anyone, not even for me. Not for Phil Taylor. For no one. Simple as that.”

Van Gerwen’s presence in Blackpool is no longer just about dominance — it’s about resilience, adaptation, and embracing a different phase of life.

“When something comes, everything comes together,” he said. “That’s nice too, but unfortunately, that’s life.”