MICHAEL VAN GERWEN has been told to train more if he wants to remain one of the top darts players.
The Dutchman has struggled for form this year with Luke Littler and Luke Humphries the new dominant pair.
Michael van Gerwen has been told he needs to practice more[/caption]
His last tournament victory came at the German Darts Masters in April, and last week he was beaten by world No.45 Madars Razma in the Players Championship 24.
Former player Vincent van der Voort believes Van Gerwen’s talent is not in question, but suggests Mighty Mike has to practice more in order to improve and stay at the top of the sport.
He said on the Darts Draait Door podcast: “He really sank heavily through the lower limit.
“Scoring just 90, while on the Pro Tour he still averaged 122 in a match. That contrast – sometimes very high peaks, but too often mediocrity – worries him.
“There is no athlete who becomes the best in the world without training. If he wants to keep connection with the top, a lot really has to happen.
“You see in those young guys that they are working every day, hungry.
“Michael relies too much on his talent and experience. But that alone won’t save you anymore.
“It’s his career. He has to decide for himself what he does with it. But if he wants to become the best again, he has to work on it every day. Otherwise it won’t work out.”
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Guest on the podcast Damien Vlottes echoed the view of his host, pointing out Van Gerwen’s technique requires constant training.
He added: “His throw is not smooth. It was really work.
“And as long as he doesn’t keep practicing structurally, I don’t see him coming back to his old level.
“Top sport requires focus and discipline, even in difficult times.”