MVG: "It is a great occasion for me and my family and I will always be very proud."
Wednesday 2 May 2018 15:56, UK
Michael van Gerwen has been presented with a medal to represent his new status as a Knight of the Order of Orange-Nassau in The Netherlands - the Dutch equivalent of an MBE.
It was revealed last week that Van Gerwen would receive the Ridder in de Orde van Oranje-Nassau from the King of the Netherlands, and he was awarded his medal on Wednesday by the Mayor, on behalf of King Willem-Alexander.
Van Gerwen becomes the second Dutch darting star to receive this honour, after five-time world champion Raymond van Barneveld was the recipient of the prestigious award in 1999.
However, 'Mighty Mike' becomes the youngest star to receive this award and he admitted: "It is a wonderful honour for me.
"It is something really special and something I didn't expect so young. I am told I am the youngest to receive this award so I am really very proud.
"It is a great occasion for me and my family and I will always be very proud."
Van Gerwen, who turned 29 last Thursday, has secured an incredible 41 televised titles since switching to the PDC in 2007, along with 65 non-televised titles.
The two-time world champion has also registered five televised nine-dart finishes during his PDC career and is aiming to claim his fourth Premier League crown later this month.
The world number one can secure top spot in the Premier League for the sixth straight season with victory over world champion Rob Cross in Birmingham on Thursday night, as he bids to seal a third straight Premier League triumph.
The 2018 Premier League is back for more action on Thursday as we head to Birmingham for Week 14. Coverage gets underway from 7pm on Sky Sports Action & Sky Sports Main Event. The tungsten action will then continue in Aberdeen through to the season's conclusion with the Play-Offs on May 17 at The O2 in London.
Keep up to date with the latest darts news, previews, reports, reaction and expert analysis. Get all the latest at www.skysports.com/darts and join in the conversation @SkySportsDarts- don't forget to use #LoveTheDarts
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