Michael van Gerwen has described his World Darts Championship semi-final opponent Chris Dobey’s comments as “nonsense”.
Dobey claimed it would be “a little bit easier” to play Van Gerwen in the quarter-finals instead of Callan Rydz, who is from the same north-east town as him in Bedlington.
Van Gerwen beat Callam Rydz in a high-quality match to set up a clash with Dobey and was asked about the English player’s comments, which were made before Van Gerwen won.
“People, when they win, talk a lot of nonsense,” Van Gerwen said.
He added: “Dobey is a very interesting player to play against because he can produce something really good.
“So you always have to make sure you keep your own fire and everything because he’s a good player.
“So I’m not going to underestimate him because I 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 play in the semi-finals at Alexandra Palace for the first time in his career after losing in the quarter-finals in 2024 and 2023.
He agonizingly blew a 4-0 lead against Rob Cross 12 months ago, but made his own mini comeback this year after losing the first two units to Gerwyn Value, before recovering to win 5-3.
“I think I can go ahead and win it, I just need to keep performing as well as I can and get my doubles,” Dobey said.
Van Gerwen: I think ‘the King’ will return
Van Gerwen will play in his ninth World Championship semi-final on Thursday and is seeking a fourth world title, without winning since 2019.
The 35-year-old did not win a televised tournament in 2024, the first time he has not won in a calendar year since 2011.
When asked if he could become ‘King of the Palace’ again, he said: “That would be good. “People probably know the answer, but no, it’s difficult.”
“It’s a tough battle, but I love fighting battles, and as long as I continue to believe in my own ability, the King will return.”
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Van Gerwen reveals his favorite Christmas movie and the food he likes to eat over the festive period while answering quick Christmas-style questions.
Van Gerwen came into the tournament slightly under the spotlight with all the attention on Luke Humphries and Luke Littler.
Littler will play Stephen Bunting in the other semi-final, so the 17-year-old could face Van Gerwen in Friday’s final.
The Dutchman admits his experience could be a factor over the remaining three players, but he is simply trying to stay focused.
“It’s not about the title, it’s about making a sacrifice,” Van Gerwen said.
“You have to make sacrifices all year round and wherever you are along the way, whatever day it is, if it’s Easter, whatever, the 14th, Valentine’s Day, Christmas, that doesn’t matter to me. My wife knows it, my family knows it. he.
“You have to make the sacrifice 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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