Michael van Gerwen says he expects his final against either Luke Littler or Stephen Bunting to be “incredible” after securing his seventh World Darts Championship semi-final victory.
Three-time champion Van Gerwen ended a six-year wait to go all the way with a 6-1 victory over Chris Dobey in the last four at London’s Alexandra Palace.
Michael van Gerwen is in his seventh World Darts Championship final! 🟢🎯
He now has a chance to win a FOURTH world title 🏆pic.twitter.com/OtbZNwiw5x
– Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) January 2, 2025
“It’s something to worry about tomorrow – I don’t care,” the Dutchman told Sky Sports when asked about the prospect of facing Littler or Bunting in Friday’s final ( 20:00 GMT).
“It’s going to be amazing… there have been a lot of fantastic moments. The crowd loves it, the people at home love it – what more do you want? This is darts at the highest level and that’s what we want to do.
MVG makes a MAGNIFICENT crate 158 🤩 pic.twitter.com/gE8VNLhNxP
– Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) January 2, 2025
Van Gerwen vs. Dobey
In his first semi-final of the tournament, Dobey missed three darts at doubles to level the match before Van Gerwen took advantage to take a 2–0 lead.
Van Gerwen seemed to be heading toward Dobey at times, including a 158 check during the sixth set en route to a 98.84 average.
CHRIS DOBEY WITH THE BIG FISH! 🐟 pic.twitter.com/WNaSz46XDd
– Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) January 2, 2025
Dobey averaged 94.77 but fell short of the heights he was always likely to demand, finishing with a respectable performance in a race that will put the Englishman inside 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. We are still so far [from winning].
“I still have to fight. [Friday] It’s another day and the title is far away. This is what we must continue to tell ourselves. I don’t want to make mistakes. I want to keep it that way. »
MVG celebrates with his adoring fans 🤩 📸 pic.twitter.com/6tKkCgXG9k
– Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) January 2, 2025
World Darts Championship final: Van Gerwen “effective”
“An average of 99 is not so bad. I’m happy with the performance… I was efficient,” added Van Gerwen. “When I had to do things, I did it at the right time and that’s what you have to do to win games.
“There are always ups and downs but today I had the right mentality. Even when things didn’t go the way I wanted, I produced good things at the right times.
“Winning on this stage, especially in the semi-final, means a lot to me. My family is watching and it means a lot.
Big favorite Littler will meet Stephen Bunting in the second semi-final immediately after Van Gerwen’s victory on Thursday.
