Van Gerwen emerged victorious in a star-studded 128 player-field at Wigan’s Robin Park Leisure Centre, just one week after suffering a humbling whitewash defeat to Daryl Gurney at the BoyleSports World Grand Prix.
The 35-year-old had previously secured wins at Players Championship 21 and the Hungarian Darts Trophy in the previous month, only to have his progress hindered by illness that also impacted his World Grand Prix performance.
Nevertheless, the Dutchman rebounded to capture his third PDC ranking title within a month, joining the likes of Luke Littler, Damon Heta, Chris Dobey, and Gary Anderson in amassing multiple Players Championship titles in 2024.
“I was away for three weeks with different problems [illnesses],” Van Gerwen reflected, having survived match darts in three encounters throughout the day. “It is frustrating but it is what it is. Sometimes health comes first, and I’m glad I won today.
“My energy levels need to be a little bit better, but overall I can’t complain because these ProTours are very challenging, especially after playing for 18 or 19 years.
“I have been in this sport for a long time, but I still 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.”
Van Gerwen’s journey to victory included a hard-fought first-round triumph over Dylan Slevin, followed by a deciding-leg win against Scott Williams, a rematch of their World Championship quarter-final on New Year’s Day.
After a commanding 6-2 victory over James Wade, Van Gerwen then prevailed in nail-biting last-leg shoot-outs against Luke Woodhouse and Jonny Clayton, clawing back from a 5-2 deficit to dispatch Clayton.