Michael van Gerwen issued brutal warning over ‘party mode’ lifestyle ahead of crucial Luke Littler clash

Michael van Gerwen has been cautioned that his current lifestyle “doesn’t go together” with performing at the very highest level.

The world No.4 suffered a 6-3 defeat to Luke Humphries on Night 13 of the Premier League, posting a modest 91.02 average in what was a below-par showing.

He remains fourth in the standings but holds only a slim two-point advantage over Humphries and Gian van Veen with just three nights left in the regular season.

In recent weeks, Van Gerwen has been seen enjoying nights out and was even involved in a heated exchange outside a bar during celebrations for the Dutch holiday King’s Day.

Former professional and close ally Vincent van der Voort believes inconsistency is beginning to creep into Van Gerwen’s performances, hinting that his off-stage activities may be having an impact.

Speaking to Viaplay, he said: “It just wasn’t good. Van Gerwen is a generational talent — he’s won everything there is to win.

“But the way he’s going about things right now, it’s impossible to stay consistent.

“Switching from that lifestyle back to performing at the highest level is mentally very demanding.

“You’re in party mode, everything is relaxed and fun, and then suddenly on Wednesday you’re on a plane and by Thursday you’re expected to deliver a top performance.

“The life he’s living now simply doesn’t match that level. We’ve been watching it for four or five months — one week it’s good, the next it looks like it’s going nowhere.

“That approach isn’t going to lead to improvement. Anyone who wants to compete at the top has to fully commit to it. If you can’t do that, it becomes very difficult.

“On match days he does everything right to perform — just not outside of them.”

The three-time world champion is still chasing his first ProTour title of the season, although he has tasted success on the World Series stage after winning the Bahrain Darts Masters.

Van Gerwen returns to Premier League action on Thursday, where he is set to take on Luke Littler in Leeds.