MICHAEL VAN GERWEN has dropped a huge hint about when he could pack up his darts.
The 35-year-old is a three-time world champion but has not won at Ally Pally since 2019.
He goes into the sport's biggest event, which starts on December 15, well out of form after losing six of his last ten games.
MVG is without a major title this year, with just two Euro Tour and Players Championship crowns to his name.
But the World Championship is the one the Dutchman wants the most, claiming he will not retire until he gets his hands on the Sid Waddell trophy.
He told : "I should have won one or two more, minimum.
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"But that's the way it is and you have to deal with the circumstances.
"I'm not going to stop before I win a couple more anyway."
On his season so far, Van Gerwen said: "I didn't have the best last few months of my career, so yeah, it's a bit different for me this time
"I have under-performed this year, we don't have to deny it. I didn't do enough.
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"Of course, I could have won a couple more Euro Tours, the Premier League and the Matchplay I definitely should have won.
"Now, it's about how I answer that disappointment. I've been in more disappointing positions before and if anyone can answer this, it's me.
"One thing is, I never under-perform at the World Championship."
Van Gerwen faces the winner of Jim Long vs James Hurrell in the second round after receiving a bye through the first round.