After a difficult 2024, Michael van Gerwen seems reborn at the Darts World Cup: “The king is back”

Emotions were running high for Michael van Gerwen after the great match in the quarter-finals against Callan Rydz. The Dutchman is – against expectations – still in the running to win the Darts World Cup for the fourth time. “I don’t underestimate anyone, but I have a good chance of becoming world champion,” the Dutchman exclaims confidently.

Yesterday the audience was treated to a wonderful match in the quarter-finals of the World Darts Championship between Michael van Gerwen and Callan Rydz.

With averages above 103 and 31 180’s (the highest number of the tournament), the Dutchman and the Englishman played one of the highest-quality matches of the World Cup so far.

“Callan is the surprise of the tournament. It took a lot of energy, because he really made me experience moments when I thought: “This hurts”, ” said Michael van Gerwen afterwards.

“Did he score more 180s than me? The most important thing is the final score: 5-3.”

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And so ‘Mighty Mike’ reaches the semi-finals of the World Darts Championship for the ninth time in his career.

“I don’t underestimate anyone, but I think I have a good chance of becoming world champion. It must and can be even better, even if I would have beaten anyone else at this tournament at this level, including Luke Littler.”

It has been since 2019 that Michael van Gerwen became world champion and that is slowly starting to hurt the 35-year-old Dutchman. He didn’t win any awards in 2024 and was often quickly eliminated in the majors.

“This year has changed me a lot,” says Van Gerwen. “It was a tough year, but I continued to believe in myself. I think since this tournament I have regained faith in my game.”

We have also seen an emotional Michael van Gerwen several times this World Cup: “I am still here and that means a lot to me. I think I am playing well again. This must have been one of my best performances in a very long time.” are.”

Alexandra Palace has had a new ‘Prince of the Palace’ since last year with Luke Littler. He will face Stephen Bunting in the other semi-final tonight.

MVG acknowledges that ‘wonder boy’ Luke Littler surpassed him in 2024 and that this year has had a big influence on him, but: “The king will come back,” he said.

In order to have the dream match between the prince and the king, they will first have to win their semi-final.

Chris Dobey, nicknamed Hollywood, awaits in the semi-finals. The latter previously said that he would rather play against Van Gerwen than against his cousin Rydz. A small sneer at the Dutchman, who does not allow himself to be disturbed by such statements.

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“Chris may not be as good at scoring as Rydz, but he can produce good things,” says Van Gerwen.

“I have played tough matches against him in the past. I know what he is capable of, I do not underestimate him.”

Thanks to his semi-final place, Van Gerwen can at least add 100,000 pounds (120,590 euros), a nice amount to take with him on holiday with his wife and children.

Although he will not be satisfied with that prize money.