Michael van Gerwen is Phil Taylor’s tip to lift the World Darts Championship trophy for a fourth time in January, expecting a backlash from the recent defeat in the Players Championship Finals.
The 2024 World Championship is being talked up as an extremely open event, with a string of genuine contenders to get their hands on the Sid Waddell Trophy on 3 January.
Luke Humphries is the favourite with the bookmakers after winning the World Grand Prix, Grand Slam of Darts and Players Championship Finals in recent weeks.
Cool Hand Luke downed MVG in the final of the latter 11-9 on Sunday night, despite the Dutchman hitting a 9-darter and leading 9-7 at one stage.
Van Gerwen missed chances to get the better of Humphries and Taylor thinks that will be enough to fuel him to a fourth world title in January.
Asked by Oche who is tip for the world title is, Taylor was clear, saying: ‘Michael. Because I think he’s absolutely brassed off at missing all them doubles. Getting beat in the final and he only gets better, he really does.’
The Power gave a nod to a string of other players who are legitimate challengers, including 16-year-old Luke Littler, who won the PDC World Youth Championship at the weekend.
‘Luke [Humphries] is a brilliant player, Luke Littler’s a brilliant player,’ said Taylor. ‘Gerwyn Price brilliant, Michael Smith brilliant. I think Michael [van Gerwen] has just got that extra gear.
‘I didn’t mean to forget Gary [Anderson], Gary’s a brilliant player and he’s enjoying it. The best thing he’s doing is playing with a smile on his face. That’s when he’s dangerous, when he’s relaxed and enjoying it.
‘[Peter Wright] Is defending the winnings [from 2022], £500,000, so he’s going to be on song, trust me. He’s going to be a handful.’
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