World Darts Championship: Michael van Gerwen hits back at Chris Dobey’s ‘nonsense’ ahead of semi-final at Alexandra Palace | News darts
Michael van Gerwen has described his World Darts Championship semi-final opponent Chris Dobey’s comments as “nonsense”.
Dobey said it would be “a bit easier” to play Van Gerwen in the last four than Callan Rydz, who is from the same north-east town as he is in Bedlington.
Van Gerwen beat Callam Rydz in a high-quality match to set up a clash with Dobey and was asked about the Englishman’s comments, which were made before Van Gerwen won.
“People, when they’re winning, they talk a lot of rubbish,” Van Gerwen said.
He added: “Dobey is a very interesting player to play against because he can do something really well.
“So you’ve always got to make sure you keep your own fire going and all that because he’s a good player.
“So I’m not going to underestimate him because I’ve had my battles with him. I know what he’s capable of and as long as you know that, yeah, then it’s all good.”
Dobey will be playing in the semi-finals at Alexandra Palace for the first time in his career after losing in the round of 16 in 2024 and 2023.
He agonizingly threw away a 4-0 lead against Rob Cross 12 months ago, but staged a small comeback of his own this year after losing the first two sets to Gerwyn Price, before rallying to win 5-3.
“I believe I can go on and win, I just need to keep playing the way I can and make my pars,” Dobey said.
Van Gerwen: I believe the ‘King’ will return
Van Gerwen will play in his ninth World Cup semi-final on Thursday and is fighting for a fourth world title, without a win since 2019.
The 35-year-old has not won a televised event in 2024, the first time he has not won in a calendar year since 2011.
Asked if he could become ‘king of the palace’ again, he said: “That would be nice. People probably know the answer, but no, it’s difficult.
“It’s a tough battle, but I like to face battles, and as long as I believe in my own abilities, the king will return.”
Van Gerwen came into the tournament a bit under the spotlight with all the attention on Luke Humphries and Luke Littler.
Littler plays Stephen Bunting in the other semi-final, so the 17-year-old could meet Van Gerwen in Friday’s final.
The Dutchman admits his experience could be a factor for the remaining three players, but is simply trying to keep his focus.
“It’s not about the title, it’s about the sacrifice,” Van Gerwen said.
“You have to make sacrifices all year long and wherever it is on your way, whatever day it is, if it’s Easter, whatever it is, the 14th, Valentine’s Day, Christmas, I don’t care about that. My wife knows it, my family knows it.
“You have to make sacrifices if you want to be the best at what you do. Of course, I didn’t always show it last year, but the will is there and I think that’s the most important thing.”
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