VINCENT VAN DER VOORT has warned darts rival Michael van Gerwen away from taking too many holidays.
The three-time world champion is hoping to return to his best after health struggles, and the emergence of breakthrough young talent such as Luke Littler, have seen his dominance wane.
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And former UK Open finalist Van der Voort has been sceptical of MVCG’s scheduling plans, with his Dutch compatriot set to miss next month’s World Cup of Darts in favour of a holiday to Ibiza.
The 49-year-old said on the Darts Draait Podcast: “Sometimes he plays really well, but then he can’t keep it up. He’s going to have to train hard.
“He needs to put in the effort or he’ll never find consistent form again.
“You can’t just take a holiday and expect things to fall back into place. It doesn’t work like that.”
Van Gerwen’s jet-setting has not roundly been met only with criticism.
Professional Darts Corporation Chief Executive Matt Porter showed some understanding in conversation with Online Darts.
He said: “[Players] have to manage their schedule you know.
“The good thing about our tournaments is that they are strong enough to survive the absence of players.”
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Van Gerwen, 36, had a disappointing weekend at the European Grand Prix, going out early in the Round of 32.
He will hope to upturn his form against Humphries in the quarter-finals of the Premier League on Thursday night.
The must-win game will be a tough match-up as his opponent is currently flying in the league standings – second only to Littler.
The battle for the league play-offs is fiercely contested and Van Gerwen will not be able to afford many more slip-ups.