Van Gerwen fires warning

DUTCH ROAR . . . Michael van Gerwen is using the Night of Champions as preparation for PDC World Darts Championship, which starts next week

SOME of the world’s top professional darts players descend on Oldham tomorrow night - and world number one Michael van Gerwen has laid down the gauntlet to challengers.

The Dutch sensation, the star attraction at the I Barrick Scaffolding Night of Champions at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, views the event as a key component of his preparation for the forthcoming PDC World Darts Championship, which starts next week.

Van Gerwen, who has reached every major final since surrendering his world title in January, appears alongside fellow capital-bound stars Mark Webster, Simon Whitlock, Kim Huybrechts, Vincent van der Voort and John Henderson.

The 2014 world champion insists he’s in it to win it: “My aim in every tournament is to win,” said the hugely popular 26 year old. That is true for Oldham and for the world championships.

“Of course my main target all year has been to win back my world title, but the best practice for winning is winning. I’ll be bringing my best game to the Night of Champions.”

Stockport aces Darryl Fitton and Tony O’Shea, and the legendary Bobby George will also appear.

Local representation comes from Oldham town team favourites Mark McGeeney and Dave Airey.

Tickets are still available -: www.queenelizabethhall.com, and also at the door if still available.