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'You’re not going to regain form by taking a vacation': Michael van Gerwen's answer to crisis irks Van der Voort

Originally posted on Dartsnews.com | Last updated May 17, 2025 9:39 AM ET

Michael van Gerwen is enduring one of the most difficult years of his career. The 36-year-old Dutchman has yet to claim a major title in 2025 and has managed just a single PDC ranking title so far. In the Premier League Darts, things have gone from bad to worse—Van Gerwen has failed to win a single night and now requires a minor miracle to reach the playoffs.

Night 15 in Aberdeen turned into a nightmare for the former world number one. He was eliminated in the quarterfinals by Nathan Aspinall, who then went on to win the night, compounding Van Gerwen’s woes. With just one night of league play remaining, 'Mighty Mike' sits fifth in the table, four points behind Aspinall, who currently holds the crucial fourth spot. Only the top four qualify for the playoff stage.

That leaves Van Gerwen with one last shot: he must defeat Aspinall in their opening quarterfinal clash in Sheffield and go on to win the entire evening. It's a tall order, particularly given that Van Gerwen has yet to lift a weekly title in this year’s campaign—a rarity for a player of his pedigree.

Alarms Sounding in Van Gerwen's Camp

Concerns are growing not just within the Premier League, but across Van Gerwen’s entire season. His struggles have not been confined to the weekly tour, and signs of decline are beginning to surface. Close friend and fellow Dutchman Vincent van der Voort didn't hold back when speaking on the Darts Draait Door podcast.

"For a comeback, he’ll need to train hard," Van der Voort said. "He has to put in the work—there’s no shortcut. You’re not going to regain form by taking a vacation and hoping it just returns. That’s simply not how it works."

Adding to the speculation, Van Gerwen has withdrawn from next month’s World Cup of Darts. The Netherlands will instead be represented by Danny Noppert and Gian van Veen. Speaking to Online Darts, Van Gerwen offered further insight into his decision to skip the prestigious team event.

"It's not top of my priority list. The PDC knows that, my management knows that. I think I have other things to worry about more. My ranking has to be maintained or do better. To do better is my main priority. The World Cup is a nice tournament to win but it's not ranked. I can't really gain anything. I need some time off with my family as well," he said to Online Darts.

"In that period I go for a nice week away with my wife I think it's a good reason. I go to Ibiza of course.