REIGNING partypoker.com World Grand Prix Champion Michael van Gerwen heads to Dublin fully focused on defending his title in 2015, but has one more target in his sites in Ireland this year.
The Dutchman has tasted glory in Dublin on two occasions, having secured his first PDC major title against Mervyn King in 2012 before adding a second crown on the Emerald Isle last year against James Wade.
And the world number one, who has continued his dominance in 2015 with major wins at The Masters, UK Open and World Matchplay, heads to Ireland supremely confident of adding a third Grand Prix title to his CV.
“I’ve won this tournament twice, I’m feeling really confident and I want to win it for a third time” said van Gerwen.
“It’s going to be difficult because there are a lot of good players there but my finishing and my doubles are a strong part of my game so I know I can do it. I will be the favourite with Phil but we will have to see what happens.
“I like the format but it is very difficult. You have to keep it going straight from the beginning which is not easy, I hope it will be easy for me this time but I know it won’t. The format is hard, the players are fantastic and I need to be on the top of my game if I’m going to win it.”
After his World Matchplay win in July, the Grand Slam of Darts is now the only current PDC major title that eludes the 26-year-old. However, van Gerwen still has one more burning darting desire in Dublin that he is yet to accomplish, a double-start nine-dart finish, and he is determined to put that right.
“It’s a big target of mine to hit a double-start nine-darter. Of course the best way to go is 167, 167, 167 but you would never go that way.
“It’s more important to win the tournament than to throw a nine-darter, everyone remembers the winner but not always the player who hits a nine-darter.
“I’m just focused on winning and if I’m on my top form I know I can throw a nine-darter, it’s been done three times now and I’m going to be number four!”
The 2015 partypoker.com World Grand Prix begins on Sunday October 4 at the Citywest Hotel in Dublin and will be shown LIVE on Sky Sports.