Michael van Gerwen will compete in PDC World Championship after driving back from Holland before borders close
STRANDED Michael van Gerwen did a dramatic travel U-Turn amid fears he could have missed the PDC World Darts Championship. The world No.1 will remain in the UK over Christmas away from his wife and two children in Holland after continental borders were slammed shut. SunSport understands the Dutchman had left the country in his […]
STRANDED Michael van Gerwen did a dramatic travel U-Turn amid fears he could have missed the PDC World Darts Championship.
The world No.1 will remain in the UK over Christmas away from his wife and two children in Holland after continental borders were slammed shut.
SunSport understands the Dutchman had left the country in his car on Sunday morning via the Eurotunnel.
After spending only TWO HOURS at home in Boxtel, south Holland, he bid his family farewell for the entire holiday period.
He quickly drove back to the players’ central London hotel to ensure he could play at Ally Pally for the £500,000 first prize.
Flights, trains and borders are being closed following evidence of a new variant strain of Covid-19 and London descending into strict Tier 4 status.
Three-time world champ Van Gerwen, who has elite sports travel exemption, did not break any rules and will now be tested again before his next match.
The PDC are advising players to stay within the tournament ‘bubble’ and not leave the country now for fear of forfeiting their place in the draw.
Several Dutch, German and Belgian players still involved in the tournament will now stay in the capital, unable to see their loved ones this weekend.
Dutchman Vincent van der Voort beat fellow countryman Ron Meulenkamp 3-2 and then complained about the chaos.
It looks like I am stuck here, on this, err, beautiful island.
Vincent van der Voort
The world No.27 said: “I mean I have to get over the fact now I’m not going home.
“In the beginning it won’t be positive but after that I have to make the best out of it.
“These are the world champs, so no excuses. You can go home but if you get Covid then you are the only one to blame. I have to stay now.
“Same s***, same c***, it is what it is. I’m not a big fan of England but another eight days I will survive.
“I woke up and the first text I saw was from my agent Jason Thame saying that my flight has been cancelled tonight. I was flying out after my match. I was planning to come back on the 26th.
“I just heard the train is not going. So, it looks like I am stuck here, on this, err, beautiful island.
“I don’t get sentimental, I don’t care about Xmas, but eight days in this hotel, just being here is not ideal.
“I will simply be practising my arse off to be better in the next round.”
Three-time world darts champion John Part, who lives in Canada, told players to follow their dream and forget the Turkey on Friday.
The Maple Dart, 54, said: “You don’t want to take any chances with your potential shot at the world championship.
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“It can set you up, the prize money you will win, all the ranking money. You don’t want to mess it up.
“So you have to take every precaution. It’s very unfortunate for your family and friends. But it’s best to stay over.
“Yes, it’s a big sacrifice but it’s one more on the list. You have to knuckle down and practice. At least they will have company in the bubble and can use FaceTime.”