Michael van Gerwen says he expects the final against Luke Littler or Stephen Bunting to be “incredible” after winning his seventh World Darts Championship semi-final. Ta.
Three-time champion Van Gerwen ended his six-year wait to qualify for the tournament with a 6-1 victory over Chris Dobie in the fourth round at London’s Alexandra Palace.
Michael van Gerwen advances to his seventh World Darts Championship final! 🟢🎯
He has a chance to win his fourth world title 🏆pic.twitter.com/OtbZNwiw5x
— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) January 2, 2025
“It’s about worrying about tomorrow. I’m not worried about it,” the Dutchman said when asked about the possibility of facing Littler or Bunting in Friday’s (8pm CET) final. , told Sky Sports.
“It’s going to be incredible… There were so many great moments. The crowds are loving it, the people at home are loving it – what more could you want? This is It’s darts at the highest level and that’s what we want to do.”
MVG achieved an impressive 158 checkouts 🤩 pic.twitter.com/gE8VNLhNxP
— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) January 2, 2025
Van Gerwen vs Dobby
In the first semi-final of the tournament, Dobie hit a double and missed three darts to equalize, but Van Gerwen took advantage and built a 2-0 lead.
Van Gerwen appeared to be cruising at times on his way past Dobie, posting a 158 checkout during the sixth set to reach an average of 98.84 points.
Chris Dovey and Big Fish! 🐟 pic.twitter.com/WNaSz46XDd
— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) January 2, 2025
Dobie averaged 94.77 points, but fell short of the heights he would have always aspired to, finishing with a respectable performance as part of a run that took the Brit into the world’s top 10.
“I love performing on stage,” Van Gerwen said. “It’s my passion, it’s my life. I really enjoyed it tonight. I’m still a long way off (from winning).
“I still have to fight. (Friday) is another day and the title is far away. That’s what you have to keep saying to yourself. You don’t want to make mistakes. Keep going like this. I want to.”
MVG celebrates with his beloved fans 🤩 📸 pic.twitter.com/6tKkCgXG9k
— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) January 2, 2025
World Darts Championship final: Van Gerwen ‘efficient’
“An average of 99 is not too bad. I’m happy with the performance… it was efficient,” van Gerwen added. “When we had to do it, we did it at the right time and that’s what we have to do to win the game.
“There are always ups and downs, but today I had the right mentality and even if things didn’t go my way, I produced something good at the right time.
“Winning this stage, especially in the semi-finals, means a lot to me. My family is watching over me too, so it means a lot.”
Littler, who is the clear favorite to win, will face Stephen Bunting in the second semi-final, following Van Gerwen’s victory on Thursday.
