Michael van Gerwen 'too much of a winner' to miss out on Dutch Darts Masters despite wrist surgery
Micahel van Gerwen isn't letting his recent wrist surgery get in the way of his darts, with the Dutchman adamant about featuring in Amsterdam this weekend.
Despite undergoing wrist surgery less than two weeks ago, Michael van Gerwen insisted on playing in the Dutch Darts Masters this weekend.
Van Gerwen went under the knife immediately after being crowned Premier League champion earlier this month to fix a long-lasting wrist injury that was causing him pain while throwing.
The 33-year-old will face compatriot Danny Noppert in the opening round of the tournament on Friday, and his opponent isn't overlooking the match despite Van Gerwen's surgery.
"I'm not assuming it will be easy," said Noppert, which prompted a witty response from Van Gerwen: "No, I would not assume that."
Looking forward to returning this weekend in Amsterdam for the @viaplaysportnl Dutch Darts Masters. A gentle practice today 👊🏻👊🏻. Thank you for all the messages about my operation all went very well 💚💚 pic.twitter.com/S4UAAtKgdS
— Michael Van Gerwen (@MvG180) June 22, 2022
Van Gerwen was expected to remain out of action for a number of weeks, but after receiving the go-ahead from his doctor, the Dutchman is wasting no time in returning to the oche.
"I literally asked them: can something happen that will make me suffer more again, that will stop me in the long run? Then the doctor said: breaking down can't happen anymore, I've already done that," said Van Gerwen.
"He said I could start throwing again, if I felt good. That's what I did. I feel good and then I want to play.
"Maybe I'm too much of a winner for that."
For the sixth time 🏆
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) June 13, 2022
Michael van Gerwen survives a match dart from Joe Cullen to win 11-10 and secure his SIXTH @CazooUK Premier League title!
That was simply breathtaking from first dart to last! pic.twitter.com/YdqA286GiY
When asked about how throwing feels post-surgery, Van Gerwen labelled it "exciting", and was pleased that he'll be able to compete long-term.
"Very exciting, because you start throwing and you feel some weird stitch.
"But I knew this had to happen to make sure I'm around for a long time. It's not a sprint, but I want to win that marathon. That's what I'm going to do."
As a five-time winner of the Dutch Darts Masters, Van Gerwen will aim for a record sixth title after missing out for the past four years - he won it consecutively between 2014 and 2018.