Michael van Gerwen: Three-time world champion suffers shock defeat by Irish amateur Michael Flynn in Players Championship

Irish amateur darts player Michael Flynn said his unexpected victory over three-time world darts champion Michael van Gerwen was a "massive moment" in his career. This victory will undoubtedly greatly boost his confidence and have a positive impact on his future career. The win serves as a significant milestone, showcasing his potential on the professional stage.

Flynn defeated Van Gerwen 6-4 in the first round of the 2025 Players Championship, held in Rosmalen, Netherlands. The 32-year-old, who works in social care in County Limerick, was only added to the PDC event's entry list on Sunday morning due to several players withdrawing. His inclusion highlighted the unpredictable nature of professional darts.

This meant he had to drive three hours from his home in the west of Ireland to Dublin Airport to catch a flight to the Netherlands to ensure he arrived at the venue in time for his match. Flynn, nicknamed "The Flyer," is ranked 11th on the Challenge Tour, which serves as a reserve list for the Players Championship. His dedication to the sport was evident in his willingness to travel such a distance on short notice.

Flynn told BBC Sport: "Van Gerwen is not the first person you want to see on the draw, you always want someone a little bit easier. I knew I was going into the tournament in good form, but to beat a three-time world champion is a massive moment for me." Flynn added that the victory gave him a deeper understanding of the professional darts circuit and the standards he needs to reach. He now has a clearer vision of his goals and the work required to achieve them.

Although Flynn's average score in the match was 92.41, lower than Van Gerwen's 97.01, he remained composed at crucial moments. Van Gerwen's appearance at the Autotron Centre in Rosmalen was the 35-year-old Dutchman's first appearance in this year's Players Championship. Despite Flynn losing 4-6 to Polish player, Tytus Kanik, in the next round, he acknowledged that defeating Van Gerwen (who finished as runner-up to Luke Littler in the 2025 PDC World Championship) would give him a huge boost. This victory provides a solid foundation for future tournaments.

World No. 10 Chris Dobey comfortably defeated Dutch underdog Jelle Klaasen 8-4 in the final to win the entire tournament. There are a total of 34 Players Championship events throughout the year. The second part of the Rosmalen double-header will be held on Tuesday, with the finals taking place in Minehead from November 21-23. The competition promises exciting matches and fierce competition as players vie for the championship title.