Michael van Gerwen blasts darts stars for failing to prepare and claims they are not mentally strong like him
MICHAEL VAN GERWEN has accused top darts stars of failing to prepare properly, claiming: They are not mentally strong like me.
Gary Anderson’s last-16 exit to Nathan Aspinall saw him become the seventh top-ten player to exit Ally Pally before the quarter-finals.
Ruthless Van Gerwen remains on course to retain the Sid Waddell trophy for the first time.
And the all-powerful Dutchman, winner of 11 sets in a row, reckons the key is how he prepares for the challenge of the PDC World Darts Championship.
Asked to explain the mounting bonfire of seeds, the 30-year-old replied: “Maybe their preparation is wrong. They have wasted so much energy during the year.
“It might have been too much for them. You need to plan things out because the darts calendar is full.
“You cannot perform 365 days a year. That is tough.
“Maybe there is burnout. I’m not speaking about Gary Anderson as he has been trying to get back on the Tour after problems lately.
“But some guys have had problems. They could be out by now but somehow won their games. You shouldn’t put yourself in that position.
“I’m better than the rest. I know what I’m capable of and do it when it matters.
“Let’s say I’m 2-0 up in legs in a set, the next leg is not important but you need to keep pushing yourself. A lot of people make mistakes in games. I don’t make mistakes.
“I’m mentally stronger. My wife teaches me well! I need to be mentally strong at home.”
Mighty Mike is in the last eight for the fourth successive year and is the overwhelming favourite to lift a fourth crown.
He said: “As long as people talk about me, it’s a good sign that I’m still in the tournament.
“Anyone can stop me, if I don’t play my A game and they play above their power, then it can be difficult. But I don’t see it happening.
“From now on, it’s business after business, make sure I stay focused. I want this title back.”
Next up on Sunday is Darius Labanauskas after the unseeded Lithuanian beat No 25 seed Steve Beaton 4-2 in the last 16.
Father-of-two Labanauskas, 43, used to work in a pottery factory before taking up darts — and he hopes his illustrious opponent has feet of clay in their debut meeting.
He said: “If Michael plays not so hard and I show my best, maybe we’ll have a good time.”