Michael van Gerwen has set his sights on more world titles after eventually holding his nerve against Scotland’s Peter Wright to win his first on New Year’s Day.
The Dutchman has long been seen as the heir apparent to Phil Taylor at the head of the sport but was showing signs of choking never seen by ‘The Power’ in his final with Wright.
From 4-0 up ‘Mighty Mike’ soon saw a 6-4 score on the board and found his doubles badly lacking.
But he somehow got it back together to land a double-top against the throw to take a 7-4 win at Alexandra Palace.
And now, with the ‘next big thing’ monkey off his back, he is keen to win more titles.
“It’s the biggest moment of my life. This is a dream come true to be world champion and also number one in the world. I hope I can win loads more tournaments and I’ll be aiming for that now,” he said.
Van Gerwen is a popular player with darts fans but found himself in the unusual position of being a sideshow with the crowd, as Wright took centre stage.
With his colourful outfits, extravagant haircuts and with a snake painted on his face, Livingston’s Wright won over the floating support and even the PDC who, on the back of his displays, offered him a wildcard for the prestigious Premier League which starts next month.
“If it’s anything like this crowd, then having 10,000 people screaming my name will be amazing. I can focus on the Premier League and get ready for that and the next tournaments on the circuit,” Wright said.
“I’ve proved a point in the last year by going from 26th in the world to number seven, so anyone can do it. I’m up to seventh now and there’s another six people above me, so I’ll be pushing after their places and they should watch out.”
Van Gerwen will open the Premier League season with a clash against Taylor, who remains the man to beat despite losing his world crown.
With 16 titles to his name he is some way ahead of Van Gerwen, but some bookmakers are offering odds of 50-1 that the ‘Green Machine’ will eventually catch him.
“I have achieved my dream and it just feels unbelievable right now,” said Van Gerwen, refusing to get carried away.
“I’ve got a lot more in me I hope, but you never know with Phil Taylor. He’s won the most majors ever. It’s the biggest night of my life and I’m delighted.
“I made a great start and got ahead straight away, but when I was 4-0 up I realised I was close to winning and I started to get nervous.”