Michael van Gerwen strides into the AO Arena on April ten with the familiar glint that signals business time. Manchester marks Night Thirteen of the campaign and the Dutch star loves this building which once echoed to his first televised nine dart finish. A crowd of fourteen thousand will roar his thunderous walk on as he chases a fourth nightly crown of the season.
The green machine began the tour as a slow burner yet he has warmed with every stop. Trophy lifts in Belfast Berlin and Rotterdam pushed him into the play off places and his tournament average now sits a shade over one hundred. Recent practice sessions focused on double sixteen that faithful exit door that deserted him during a rare quarter final loss in Birmingham.
Van Gerwen draws Rob Cross in the opening match and believes a quick start is essential. Cross owns a deliberate tempo that can disturb the Dutchman rhythm but the head to head record favours van Gerwen by a wide margin. Should he advance a mouthwatering semi final with Luke Humphries beckons while table topper Luke Littler lurks on the far side of the bracket.
Points are precious at this late stage. Three regular nights follow Manchester and history shows thirty two points guarantees a berth at the O two play offs. Van Gerwen sits on twenty six so a trophy here would all but secure his passage to London and simultaneously apply pressure on Gerwyn Price who shadows him by a single point.
Asked at media day what drives him after seven league titles Van Gerwen smiled and answered legacy. He insists the sport is witnessing a new generation surge yet remains convinced that experience conquers youthful audacity when stakes rise. Manchester has staged many of his statement performances and one more could tilt the entire championship conversation.
