Michael van Gerwen returned to action last weekend and instantly was in familiar territory after claiming his fourth successive Dutch Darts Masters. Playing back in his homeland after taking a month off, Mighty Mike beat English veteran Steve Beaton in a brilliant 6-1 display in Sunday’s final at the MECC in Maastricht.
This was the fourth European Tour title of the year for the world number one who saw off Jeffrey de Zwaan, Kyle Anderson, Daryl Gurney and Michael Smith in route to the final.
Van Gerwen proves too much for Beaton
For 53-year-old Beaton, participation came through the UK qualifiers, where he made the most of things once in Holland. Victories over German youngsters Nico Blum and Martin Schindler, plus impressive wins over third seed Mensur Suljovic and second seed Peter Wright helped the former BDO world number one come close to replicating the golden years.
Alas, the Bronzed Adonis was unable to see off the threat presented by Van Gerwen as the Dutchman’s class shone through immediately, opening up a 2-0 lead courtesy of an 80-dart finish, followed by a 13-darter. A few rounds later, Beaton’s throw was broken by MVG’s 12-darter. That was followed up by a double putting the Dutchman up 5-1 before hitting his third 180 of the night plus a final 77 to record a definitive win.
German Darts betting tips
Michael van Gerwen’s next World Series of Darts circuit appearance will be at the German Darts Masters in Dusseldorf running between the 20th – 21st of October. Also in Germany this weekend, we will see the inaugural German Darts Grand Prix, which will be taking place from September 8-10 in Mannheim.
World Champion Michael van Gerwen will be the hot favourite to win what would be his 12th tournament of the season. At 4/6, he can be picked up at Betway, and there will no better value anywhere else. Certainly, the other darters on the circuit will not be pleased to see the return of Mighty Mike.
UK Open champion Peter Wright should be the closest rival to the Dutchman. Snakebite, this year’s nearly man — who was runner-up in both the Premier League and World Matchplay — is available at 5/1 with Bet365. At 18/1, Dave Chisnall is also well worth a look at Bet365, who are offering the same price for Austria’s Mensur Suljovic.
Next are longshots Michael Smith at 25/1 and a reasonable 40/1 at Bet365 for Simon Whitlock. But it’s likely all chum with a refreshed MVG in the 48-man field who will feel — with more than enough justification — that victory is a near certainty.