Michael van Gerwen plans to play darts for at least another 10 years and thinks he is still a dangerous player for everyone else at the World Cup.
Van Gerwen comfortably cruised through his first match at Alexandra Palace with a 3-0 win over James Hurrell and will play Brendan Dolan in the third round, live Sky Sports Darts on Saturday 28.12.
The Dutchman has not won a televised tournament in 2024, the first time he has not won a tournament in a calendar year since 2011.
“If you look at my rankings this year, I'm still in the top four or five. Can you imagine when I'll play well again? I'll be really dangerous!” Van Gerwen said.
He added: “I've re-signed with Winmau for another 10 years, so I'll be on stage for a bit longer and I'm enjoying what I'm doing. That's the only thing that counts.
“If I don't win two or three more world titles, I'll be disappointed. But I know I can do it.”
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Van Gerwen made a fantastic 120 checkouts in his first match
Van Gerwen went through a period where he was almost unbeatable on the PDC Tour as he won three world titles in 2014, 2017 and 2019.
The 35-year-old was once tipped to match Phil Taylor's record of 16 world championships, but now thinks that is an almost impossible task.
“No, but you never know. I still love what I do, and as long as I love what I do, we'll see,” he said.
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
See every nine-dart shot in the PDC World Championship
“What else am I going to do? That's my question I always ask myself, what else am I going to do?
“I don't have enough other things or hobbies to fill all that time. Of course, my kids and my wife are really important in my life, but darts is a really big part of my life and everyone knows that.
“They know it's my life too. I don't just do it because it's my job. I also do something I love. It's my passion. That's my life. I've been doing it for the last 25 years.
“I've been in the PDC for almost 18 years, and I've had God knows how many tournaments I've played in. So it's not a battle for me. It's something I love to do.”
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Van Gerwen remains confident of his chances at the World Darts Championship despite falling short this year
Van Gerwen: Big pressure on Humphries and Littler
Luke Humphries and Luke Littler are the two favorites for the World Cup, but they are on course to meet in the semi-finals, so there will be no repeat of last year's final.
Van Gerwen is not in their half and is favorite to reach the final from his part of the draw, especially after Gary Anderson was knocked out earlier.
“I still know that eyes are always on my back because everyone wants to get me out of the tournament,” Van Gerwen said.
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
We look at the impact Luke Littler has made since making his mark on the world stage this time last year
“Of course there will be a lot of pressure on the two Lukes (Humphries and Littler) as well, but it is what it is. You have to deal with the circumstances.
“If it's right, left, I don't care. I just need to make sure I keep performing. I'll keep winning my games.
“When you do well, that's the price you pay, you're going to be the center of attention. And of course, you want to be the center of attention. And I think that's good. That's what you want. Otherwise, you're not a professional, simple as that.”
Watch the World Darts Championship on Sky Sports
Live darts is back Sky Sports on PDC World Darts Championship after the Christmas break, with four consecutive days of two-day sessions at Alexandra Palace starting on Friday 27 December.
World No.1 Humphries takes on Nick Kenny in Friday's evening session, while reigning Premier League champion Littler headlines Saturday night against Ian White.
Elsewhere, Van Gerwen faces Dolan (Saturday) and former world champion Gerwyn Price entertains Joe Cullen (Friday).
The players have the night off on New Year's Eve ahead of the quarter-finals, which are played over two legs on New Year's Day, with the semi-finals on January 2 and the final on Friday January 3.
You can find the complete daily schedule of this year's tournament here.
Who will win the Paddy Power World Darts Championship? Watch every match exclusively live until January 3 on Sky Sports' dedicated darts channel. Stream darts and other top sports with SADA.