Michael van Gerwen has qualified for the final of the World Cup in London with a great display of power. The 33-year-old from Vlijmen was much too strong for Dimitri Van den Bergh from Belgium (6-0) in the semi-final. He did not give up a set against Chris Dobey in the quarterfinals on Sunday: 5-0. “I can’t complain”, Van Gerwen beamed after the final in front of Viaplay’s camera.
Van Gerwen conquered the world title in 2014, 2017 and 2019. Last year, ‘Mighty Mike’ had to withdraw to Alexandra Palace with corona. He will meet Michael Smith in the final on Tuesday evening. The 32-year-old Englishman with the nickname ‘Bully Boy’ settled in the semi-final with the German Gabriel Clemens (6-2).
Van Gerwen and Smith also met in the 2019 World Cup final. The Dutchman then defeated his English opponent 7-3. Smith was also in the final battle of the World Cup last year. He was then no match for Peter Wright. The 32-year-old Englishman threw the maximum score of 180 against Clemens no less than nineteen times.
Nine times maximum score
Van Gerwen concluded his semi-final battle with an average of over 108 points. He threw the maximum score of 180 nine times and finished once with an impressive score of 170.
The three-time world champion gave his Belgian opponent only a few chances. But Van den Bergh was unable to use it.
‘hurt a lot’
Van Gerwen created eight chances to throw out a leg with a ‘double sixteen’. He cashed in seven. Van Gerwen: “I was playing fantastically. I was also there when it really mattered. I hurt him a lot throughout the match.”
Van Gerwen looks forward to the final against Smith with a good feeling. “I’m just playing nicely. I’m not done here yet. I’m looking forward to it.”