Michael van Gerwen said he expects his final against Luke Littler or Stephen Bunting to be “incredible” after storming to his seventh World Darts Championship semi-final win.
Three-time champion Van Gerwen ended a six-year wait to go all the way at the tournament with a 6-1 win over Chris Dobey in the final four at London’s Alexandra Palace.
Michael van Gerwen is into his seventh World Darts Championship final! 🟢🎯
He now has a chance of winning a FOURTH world title 🏆pic.twitter.com/OtbZNwiw5x
— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) January 2, 2025
“That’s something to worry about tomorrow – I don’t care,” the Dutchman told Sky Sports when he was asked about the prospect of taking on Littler or Bunting in the decider on Friday (8pm GMT ).
“It’s going to be incredible… there have been a lot of fantastic moments. The crowd’s loving it, the people at home are loving it – what more do you want? This is darts at the highest level and this is what we want to do.”
MVG nails a MAGNIFICENT 158 checkout 🤩 pic.twitter.com/gE8VNLhNxP
— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) January 2, 2025
Van Gerwen vs Dobey
In his first semi-final at the tournament, Dobey missed three darts at double to level the match before Van Gerwen took advantage to establish a 2-0 lead.
Van Gerwen appeared to be cruising at times on his way past Dobey, including a 158 checkout during the sixth set on his way to an average of 98.84.
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 require, finishing with a respectable display as part of a run that will put the Englishman in the world top 10.
“I love performing on the stage,” said Van Gerwen. “It’s my passion, it’s my life. I really enjoyed it tonight. We are still so far away [from winning].
“I still have to battle. [Friday] is another day and the title is far away. That’s what you have to keep telling yourself. I don’t want to make mistakes. I want to keep it this way.”
MVG celebrates with his adoring fans 🤩 📸 pic.twitter.com/6tKkCgXG9k
— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) January 2, 2025
World Darts Championship final: Van Gerwen ‘efficient’
“A 99 average is not that 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 moment and that’s what you have to do to win games.
“You always have ups and downs but today I had the right mentality. Even when things didn’t go my way, I produced good stuff at the right moments.
“To win on this stage, especially on the semi-finals means a lot to me. My family is watching and it means a lot.”
Outright favourite Littler meets Stephen Bunting in the second semi-final immediately after Van Gerwen’s victory on Thursday.
