Michael van Gerwen triumphantly broke his 16-month title drought on the PDC European Tour, clinching the 2024 Hungarian Darts Trophy with a thrilling 8-7 victory against Gian van Veen in Budapest on Sunday.
This victory marks Van Gerwen’s 36th European Tour title, a record that he achieved with a nail-biting finish at MVM Dome. Van Veen, a rising star in the darts scene, was left disappointed after narrowly missing a crucial match dart at the bullseye, which could have secured his first senior PDC title. Van Gerwen capitalized on the opportunity, sealing the match with a stunning 110 checkout.
In a post-match interview, Van Gerwen expressed the significance of this win, stating, “This was really important – I had to battle really hard. I was struggling in the final and Gian took advantage, but I was more battling with myself.” He credited the raucous crowd for energizing him throughout the match, adding, “I think I’m on the right way, especially with my new darts. I missed the winning feeling for a long time but now everything falls into place.”
Van Veen, at just 22 years old, expressed pride in his performance despite the setback. “I’m only 22 years old, and to push Michael van Gerwen this far in the final is an amazing feeling. Of course, I’m disappointed. I missed the match dart, the 118 on the bull, but Michael’s 110 finish shows his class. He’s the deserved winner today.”
Van Gerwen’s latest triumph not only boosts his confidence but also solidifies his position at the forefront of the darts world, as he aims for continued success in future tournaments.
