Van Gerwen ends a 16-month wait for a European Tour title after winning Hungarian Darts Trophy

Michael van Gerwen overcame a 16-month PDC European Tour drought with an 8-7 victory over Gian van Veen to win the 2024 Hungarian Darts Trophy in Budapest on Sunday night.

The Dutch great won his 36th European Tour title at the Belgian Darts Trophy in May 2023, adding to his impressive record in a thrilling decider at MVM Dome.

Van Veen was looking for his first senior PDC title, but the teenager was left to rue one missed match dart – at the bull – as Van Gerwen won the final leg with a 110 checkout.

Van Gerwen now has two wins in five days and £45,000 in prize money after winning the Players Championship on Wednesday in a spectacular return to winning form.

“This was really important – I had to battle really hard,” admitted Van Gerwen. “I was struggling in the final and Gian took advantage, but I was more battling with myself.

“The crowd gave me so much energy and to give them something back, I’m over the moon.

“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.

“I want to win more and my love for the game is still there. I need to make sure I keep this momentum going.”

Van Gerwen had scored a nine-darter in his second round win over Martin Lukeman on Saturday, and he followed that up with a 100 average in his third round triumph over Gabriel Clemens to open Finals Day.

He then defeated Josh Rock and Ross Smith, averaging 107.87 against the latter in the semi-finals, to advance to the decider in his bid for his 37th European Tour victory.

Van Gerwen opened the all-Dutch decider against Van Veen with a roof-raising 170 checkout, followed by a second 12-darter and a break of throw to take the lead 3-1.

Van Veen hit back to level with a 101 finish, but lost his chance to break as Van Gerwen pulled back in lead. The pair traded 13-darters to leave van Gerwen 5-4 in front.

Van Veen then completed 110 to level and double eight to break and edge ahead at 6-5, but he missed the bull when Van Gerwen broke back after the pair traded 180s.

Van Gerwen’s two double 12 misses then allowed Van Veen in to finish 72, moving him one leg away from victory at 7-6 – but he then wired the bull for a 118 finish to win.

Double four saw Van Gerwen move in to equal and force a deciding leg, and with the advantage of throw, the world number three was first to a finish – despite a Van Veen 180 – as he converted a 110 checkout to stir ecstatic celebrations as he collected yet another European Tour trophy.

Van Veen scored a breakthrough win over Van Gerwen at the European Championship last year, but was left to rue a narrow missed bullseye in his quest for his first senior title.

Van Veen, a former Development Tour player and 2023 Winmau World Youth Championship runner-up, defeated Keane Barry, Danny Noppert, Wessel Nijman, and Ryan Searle to reach the Budapest final.

“I think I played a really good tournament,” said Van Veen. “I was just happy this weekend to get over the quarter-finals, and to beat Ryan in the semi-finals was an amazing bonus.

“But when you’re in the final you want to win it. Even though Michael is a fantastic player I missed some chances, and Michael was the deserved winner.

“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, I think it was really close – but Michael’s 110 finish shows his class. He’s the deserved winner today and congratulations to him.”

2024 Hungarian Darts Trophy

Sunday September 22 

Afternoon Session

Third Round

Daryl Gurney 6-5 Dave Chisnall

Ryan Searle 6-1 Peter Wright

Wessel Nijman 6-1 Scott Williams

Gian van Veen 6-3 Danny Noppert

Ross Smith Bye (Ricardo Pietreczko withdrew)

Stephen Bunting 6-4 Martin Schindler

Michael van Gerwen 6-4 Gabriel Clemens

Josh Rock 6-4 Rob Cross

Evening Session

Quarter-Finals 

Ryan Searle 6-3 Daryl Gurney

Gian van Veen 6-2 Wessel Nijman

Ross Smith 6-5 Stephen Bunting

Michael van Gerwen 6-4 Josh Rock

Semi-Finals

Gian van Veen 7-5 Ryan Searle

Michael van Gerwen 7-3 Ross Smith

Final 

Michael van Gerwen 8-7 Gian van Veen