Van Gerwen gives frank assessment of Play-Off disappointment

Michael van Gerwen

Michael van Gerwen gave an honest assessment after his crushing defeat to Daryl Gurney last night in Milton Keynes.

Van Gerwen's 8-2 loss to Gurney saw a difficult campaign end in disappointment as the five-time Premier League champion failed to reach the Play-Offs for the first time.

The world number one had topped the league in each of his previous seven seasons in the competition, but defeat to Gurney meant he finished a unique 2020 season in an unfamiliar sixth place.

“It was horrible. It wasn’t good enough,” Van Gerwen told RTL7.

“I know I could’ve done better, as does everybody at home.

“Before the match when I was practicing I spent too much time thinking about what I needed to qualify. I knew I needed to win 8-3 to go through.

“I never felt focussed. Once I went 3-0 down I knew it wasn’t going to be my night.

“It really hurts but I have no time to re-evaluate as we’ve got more tournaments next week.”

Van Gerwen will return to action on Saturday September 12 for the Autumn Series, which will see five Players Championship events played across five days.