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Leading trade paint brand Leyland Paints has hit the bullseye by linking up with newly-crowned World Champion Michael van Gerwen.

Leyland has been at the heart of the UK’s fastest growing sport for the last two years, sponsoring world class stars Simon Whitlock and Mark Webster.

The backing of the pair will continue in 2014, and van Gerwen, the hottest property in darts, has now been added as another ambassador to further boost ‘Team Leyland.’

van Gerwen secured his career highlight on New Year’s Day, defeating Peter Wright 7-4 in the final to claim his first World Championship success.

The victory saw the Dutchman – who has also won the Premier League, World Grand Prix and Players Championships Finals over the last 18 months to form a glittering CV – take over from Phil Taylor at the top of the world rankings.

And the 24-year-old is thrilled to have secured sponsorship from Leyland Paints as he prepares to compete as world champion over the next 12 months.

“It’s been an absolutely incredible period for me,” said van Gerwen.

“To win the World Championships was a dream come true and I’m now delighted to confirm the sponsorship with Leyland Paints for 2014.

“Leyland is a huge paint brand and has become a massive part of darts over the last couple of years.

“Leyland Paints was formed more than 90 years ago and is still going strong now – and that’s an inspiration to me because I want to remain at the top of darts for a long time.

“I’m very proud to be joining forces with Leyland Paints for what I hope will be another hugely successful year.”

As well as teaming up with van Gerwen, Leyland Paints will continue to sponsor Whitlock and Webster for a third year.

Whitlock’s run to the semi-finals of this year’s World Championships saw him rise to number three in the world rankings, while Webster continued to show signs of returning to the form which saw him lift the 2008 BDO World Championship as he reached the quarter-finals at Alexandra Palace.

Leyland Paints’ marketing manager Vicky Jones said: “We are hugely excited to welcome Michael to our all-star darting line-up.

“He has proved over the last few years, most recently in the World Championships over Christmas, he is an extremely exciting player, full of character and a real talent. We are delighted to be sponsoring the world champion and world number one.

“With Simon and Mark also both producing excellent form in the World Championships, this is a fantastic period for our darts sponsorship and 2014 should be a truly memorable year.”

As well as wearing Leyland Paints branding on their shirts in all tournaments this year, the trio of ambassadors will be making appearances throughout the year.

Feature courtesy of Leyland Paints.

Leyland Paints was founded in 1922 and has a long and distinguished history as a manufacturer and supplier of decorative paints, particularly targeted at tradesmen.