Michael van Gerwen is looking to kickstart his bid for a fourth Paddy Power World Darts Championship tonight as he clashes with Irish youngster Keane Barry in the second round.
Van Gerwen picked up four Premier televised titles in a dominant 2022 campaign, though this year he has relinquished all of his ranking TV crowns.
The Dutchman made the final of the Players Championship Finals three weeks ago and relinquished a 9-5 lead to Luke Humphries, but Van Gerwen insists he can still take a lot of confidence from the run.
“I’m feeling good, I think I played some phenomenal darts at the Players Championship Finals, and although I didn’t win the title, this is good for my confidence," said Van Gerwen.
“There were a few ranking events where I would have liked to do a little bit better, like the World Matchplay, the World Grand Prix and the European Championship.
“I could have done a lot more, but you can only blame yourself, and you cannot get it right all the time!"
Alexandra Palace has a special place in the heart of the former world number one, who has made the final an astonishing six times.
“Ally Pally is an incredible venue to play in," added the three-time champion.
“The atmosphere is always brilliant, so I’m looking forward to going back there.
“I’ve had so many great memories at Ally Pally, some amazing wins, but also tough defeats, but that is the beauty of darts.
A fourth Sid Waddell Trophy would catapult Van Gerwen to the top of the rankings – an accolade that is special to the reigning Premier League Champion after he surrendered top spot following the 2021 showpiece event.
Van Gerwen continued: “It would mean a lot to become world number one again, but you still have to do it!
“I know I am one of the favourites, and you need to perform like a favourite. It’s important to put your rivals under pressure from the beginning and that’s my goal.”
Humphries kicked off the 2023/24 World Championship as the pre-tournament favourite with title sponsor Paddy Power, after winning a trio of Premier televised events in the space of seven weeks.
Van Gerwen previously stated before his recent final with ‘Cool Hand’ that he would not admit Humphries was the best player in the world until he had beaten him, though the 34-year-old still believes his top game reigns supreme.
“I believe if I play my A-game, nobody else beats me, and my game is there. I feel relaxed, I feel comfortable, and I’m looking forward to it," insisted Van Gerwen.
“The World Championship is the World Championship.
“It’s a different format, and the top boys will come out fighting, that’s the way I see it.”