Defiant Dutchman Michael van Gerwen has vowed he ‘will be ready’ for his latest title tilt at this year’s Paddy Power World Darts Championship.
The 35-year-old will begin his bid for a fourth World Championship crown on Friday December 20, as he takes on either debutant James Hurrell or Canadian veteran Jim Long in his second round tie.
Van Gerwen is the most successful player in this year’s star-studded field, having lifted a hat-trick of World Championship titles in 2013/14, 2016/17 and 2018/19.
Despite suffering early exits at last month’s Grand Slam of Darts and Players Championship Finals, the world number three is in positive mood ahead of his return to the capital.
“It’s the biggest tournament of the year. Everyone is looking forward to it, especially me,” said Van Gerwen, speaking at last month’s World Championship media day in London.
“I didn’t have the best preparation so far, but there’s still a few weeks to go, so a lot can change in that time, but I’m feeling good, and that’s the most important thing.
“There is a lot at stake for everyone – the World Championship is bigger than ever, so I need to make sure I’m ready for it.”
Van Gerwen is situated in the bottom half of the draw, with Luke Humphries and Luke Littler poised for a potential collision course in the semi-finals.
The last few months have seen a host of new challengers emerge, with Mike De Decker and Ritchie Edhouse celebrating maiden televised titles at the World Grand Prix and European Championship respectively.
Jermaine Wattimena and Martin Lukeman have also progressed to their first televised finals within the last two months, illustrating the current level of unpredictability at the sport’s top level.
However, the World Championship is a different proposition, and Van Gerwen believes this is where the sport’s biggest stars will underline their pedigree.
“I think in this year’s World Championship you are going to see more familiar faces,” insisted the Dutchman, also a three-time runner-up at Alexandra Palace.
“You can’t compare the World Championship with any other tournament.
“It’s a different emotion, different pressure, different vibe. Everything is different because it’s the most important tournament of the year, so it should be different!
“My experience could be really important, but for me the most important thing is that my preparation takes off well.
"I don’t have to deny that my recent results are not what I wished for, but you need to make sure all your focus goes in the right direction.
“All my eyes are on the World Championship, and I’m going to work really hard to make sure I’m ready for my first match.”
The tournament will be broadcast live on Sky Sports in the UK, through the PDC's worldwide broadcast partners including DAZN and Viaplay, and on PDCTV (excluding UK, Ireland, Germany, Austria & Switzerland based subscribers).