Van gerwen's form woes deepen as van der voort questions mentality

Darting great Michael van Gerwen's ongoing slump is under fresh scrutiny after former teammate Vincent van der Voort suggested the player is losing the psychological edge that once defined his dominance. The 36-year-old, despite a respectable 107 average in his recent European Tour match in Göttingen, lost 6-2 to Niels Zonneveld.

Van der voort: average doesn't tell the whole story

Van der Voort, speaking on the podcast “Darts Draait Door,” highlighted the discrepancy between Van Gerwen's average score and his ability to capitalize on crucial moments. “A high average doesn't tell the whole story. Michael averages 107 points but misses the decisive moments – and those are what ultimately make the difference,” he explained.

The statistics paint a stark picture. Van Gerwen registered a mere 25% double percentage in the match, a significant drop from his usual standards. But Van der Voort believes the issue runs deeper than mere technical skill. “I’ve told him: no one is afraid of you anymore,” Van der Voort openly stated. He argued that the perception of Van Gerwen as an insurmountable opponent has shifted.

Years ago, players approached matches against Van Gerwen with a sense of dread, acknowledging his near-unstoppable potential. Now, that feeling has dissipated. Many competitors now enter duels believing they have a realistic chance of victory, especially if Van Gerwen doesn't perform at his peak. This shift has become a regular occurrence, leading to more frequent upsets.

Van der Voort believes Van Gerwen must rediscover his dominance through hard work and self-reliance. The path back to the top is not about regaining lost talent, but about re-establishing his mental fortitude and unwavering confidence.

The challenge for Van Gerwen is clear: reclaim his reputation as the top player in the sport, one match, one double, at a time. He’ll need more than just a decent average.