There are few pundits not backing Michael van Gerwen to win the 2020 PDC World Darts Championship as Mark Webster, Colin Lloyd and Rod Harrington all come out in support of the defending champion.
MVG is a three-time winner at the Alexandra Palace, lifted the trophy last time out and has held the world number one spot since way back in January 2014.
There is little question that the Dutchman is the best player on the planet with seemingly only a couple of doubts lingering over his ability to win a fourth world title on New Year’s Day.
Those issues are an in-form Gerwyn Price, who beat MVG at the Grand Slam last month, and the fact that Mighty Mike has never retained the World Championship.
However, three men who have played in multiple World Championships do not see these factors holding back the world number one.
‘Everybody is talking about the fact he’s not defended it but he’s won it three times, the experience is there,’ former BDO world champ Mark Webster told Sky Sports. ‘I just expect him to rise to the challenge. If he doesn’t go early it’s hard to get rid of him because the format gets very long.’
Lloyd and Harrington, both former world number ones in the PDC, are tipping the final that many fans want to see, between MVG and world number three Price.
‘Van Gerwen seems to have the bit between his teeth,’ said Lloyd. ‘I hope it ends up being an MVG vs Price final because I think that would be an absolute blinder.
‘Michael has shown this year that he can get the job done without playing at his very best and he always gears himself up for the Worlds.’
Harrington added: ‘Michael van Gerwen is going to win it and on current form there’s only Gerwyn Price that can stand toe-to-toe with him. I’ve got him playing Gerwyn in the final.’
The bookmakers certainly agree with these three wise men of the PDC, with Van Gerwen going in as clear favourite, with Price second favourite and then a substantial jump to the rest of the field.
Betfair rate MVG’s chances of lifting the trophy at 5/4, Price at 5/1 and 2018 champion Rob Cross next in line at 12/1.
The World Championship gets underway on Friday 13 December with Van Gerwen in action on the opening night against the winner of Jelle Klaasen vs Kevin Burness.
Price plays William O’Connor or Marko Kantele on Thursday 19 December.
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