Dutch Darts Championship tips: Michael van Gerwen can take advantage of slender field

No Luke Humphries. No Luke Littler. No Rob Cross. Dare we say, the field is wide open for someone to step up and challenge for a European title.

With the current big hitters not involved, all eyes will turn to Michael van Gerwen.

The Dutchman will not only want to impress on home soil, but the 35-year-old will also be determined to claim his first European Tour title of the season.

MVG has been somewhat starved of titles on the continental tour, winning just one of his last 20 such events.

So what exactly makes us confident that Van Gerwen is the man to back? Well, his Premier League performances in the last couple of weeks are certainly of note.

At the start of May, MVG reached the final in Leeds before being edged out by Luke Humphries. A week later in Sheffield, the Green Machine enjoyed three figure averages on his run to the semi-final.

With a home crowd behind him, we’re backing Van Gerwen to turn on the style and pick up some much-needed silverware.

 

Keep an eye on Michael Smith

One man who is more than capable of putting together a good run is Michael Smith.

Bully Boy recently won Night 16 in the Premier League and averaged just over 100 in his final victory over Humphries.

Smith has only claimed three European Tour event victories over the last nine years and hasn’t gone past the third round in 2024.

However, with the St Helens man enjoying an upturn in form, the former world champion is one to watch.

Looking at other contenders, Dutchman Danny Noppert will be looking to impress in front of his home fans.

The Freeze won a recent Players Championship event in Leicester and will offer plenty of value in the betting.

 

Suggested bets

NAP – Michael van Gerwen

Dark Horse – Michael Smith