Michael van Gerwen labels darts rival ‘part timer’ as he ramps up mind games ahead of European Championship showdown

MICHAEL VAN GERWEN labelled rival Gary Anderson a “part-timer” ahead of another blockbuster clash.

Michael Van Gerwen branded Gary Anderson a ‘part timer’ after insisting he’s ‘one of the best in the world’Getty

Gary Anderson faces old foe Van Gerwen on Saturday

It’s been one of the great rivalries in the sport over the past decade including a fierce 2017 World Final won by the Dutchman.

MVG, 35, said: “Gary is always going to be a blockbuster. Whether you have a good or bad game, it’s always going to be a tense game.

“We don’t want to lose to each other. We know each other really well.

“I’m feeling comfortable. I feel good. I know I can hurt him on the right moments.

“We all know Gary Anderson, one of the best players I have ever saw in my life.

“But he is also a part-timer. So I need to make sure I’m going to do the right thing and bet on my own game.”

Van Gerwen also believes that his enjoyment for the game is key to his continued success.

He added: “I think Luke Humphries has had a fantastic 12/13 months so far.

“I’m already doing this for 17/18 years. Sometimes at point it could get a little bit like a robot.

“But now I really have the joy again. That’s what you need to have if you want to do well.”

Last year, MVG revealed that Anderson, 53, is known as the “part timer” among his professional competitors.

He told Online Darts last October: “In the practice room we call him ‘the part-timer’ he does whatever he wants.

“That’s also his right, he’s been on the tour for so long, what do you expect?”