Michael van Gerwen picked up his second PDC Pro Tour event at the Players Championship 27 in Wigan.
The Dutchman beat Gerwyn Price 8-4 in the final to claim his second title in the space of five weeks after failing to reach the final in 2024 before that.
Michael van Gerwen has suffered from an inconsistent 2024, not helped by dental surgery and illness, and van Gerwen crashed out after bizarre board management at the World Grand Prix.
The Dutchman has revealed further details of his health issues after claiming the Pro Tour title.
Michael van Gerwen suffered from ‘different problems’
After claiming his fourth title of the year, after also picking up World Series events in the Netherlands and Hungary, van Gerwen detailed his frustrations at the health issues keeping him away from the tour.
Speaking to PDC TV, he said: “I was away for three weeks with different problems [illnesses]. It is frustrating but it is what it is. Sometimes health comes first, and I’m glad I won today.”
“My energy levels have to be a little bit better, but overall I can’t complain, because these ProTours are very difficult, especially when you’ve already been doing this for 18 or 19 years.
“I have played this game for a long time, but I love it. I love what I do, and I think that’s the key.
“I am still able to keep myself motivated for the next tournaments, and you need to keep battling and keep fighting.”
Mighty Mike returns to Wigan today (October 16) for the ante-penultimate Pro Tour event of the season at the Players Championship 28.
MVG joins exclusive club after Pro Tour victory
MVG’s second Pro Tour event of 2024 in Wigan means he joins Luke Littler, Damon Heta, Chris Dobey, and Gary Anderson as players to win multiple Players Championships this year.
The Dutchman defeated Dylan Slevin, Scott Williams, James Wade, Luke Woodhouse, Jonny Clayton, Wessel Nijman, and Price on his way to victory and looked back to his best.
In the final, particularly, Mighty Mike converted 88, 72, 142, and 112 checkouts to storm into a 6-3 lead and take control of the match.
If van Gerwen can put his health issues behind him, there’s every chance he can find the form he needs to compete for the remaining majors of the year.