Michael van Gerwen has described comments from his World Darts Championship semi-final opponent Chris Dobey as “nonsense”.
Dobey stated it would be a “bit easier” playing Van Gerwen in the last four rather than 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, they talk a lot of nonsense,” said Van Gerwen.
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 maintaining 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, yeah, then everything is good.”
Dobey will play in the semi-finals at Alexandra Palace for the first time in his career after losing in the last eight in 2024 and 2023.
He agonisingly threw away a 4-0 lead to Rob Cross 12 months ago, but made a mini comeback of his own this year after losing the opening two sets to Gerwyn Price, before roaring back to win 5-3.
“I believe I can go on and win it, I just need to keep performing the way I can and hit my doubles,” said Dobey.
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Dobey missed five match darts but finished on a double, double to book himself a spot in the World Championship semi-finals
Van Gerwen: I believe ‘the King’ will come back
Van Gerwen will play his ninth World Championship semi-final on Thursday and is bidding for a fourth world title, having not won since 2019.
The 35-year-old did not win a televised tournament in 2024, which is the first time he has not won in a calendar year since 2011.
Asked whether he can become the ‘King of the Palace’ again, he said: “That would be nice. People probably know the answer, but no, it’s a tough one.
“It’s a tough battle, but I love to face battles, and as long as I keep believing in my own ability, then the King will come back.”
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Van Gerwen reveals what is his favourite Christmas film and food that he likes to eat over the festive period as he takes on the Christmas quickfire style questions
Van Gerwen came into the tournament slightly under the radar with last year’s finalists Luke Humphries and Luke Littler commanding most of the attention.
Littler plays Stephen Bunting in the other semi-final, so the 17-year-old could meet Van Gerwen in Friday’s final.
The Dutchman believes his greater experience in the latter stages at Alexandra Palace compared to the other three remaining players could be an advantage, but is intent on maintaining his focus.
“It’s not about the title, it’s about making a sacrifice,” said Van Gerwen.
“You have to make sacrifices all year and wherever is on your path, whatever day it is, if it’s Easter, whatever it is, the 14th, Valentine, Christmas, I don’t care about that. My wife knows, my family know it.
“You have to make the sacrifice if you want to be the best in 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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