21:26
First leg for van Gerwen
With 167, Van Gerwen has the first finish that he cannot check. There are 74 remaining, which he starts over T11. He checks the D16 for the first leg win, also because Suljovic previously failed to make the Big Fish.
21:25
Printed by van Gerwen
In any case, the pressure is on the shoulders of the Dutchman, who has a lot to lose in this game. After the retirement of Peter Wright, the chance for him to become number one in the world again at the end of the world championship is getting closer and closer.
21:24
game on!
The two players have arrived on the stage. As usual, the hall was completely bathed in green light during Michael van Gerwen’s Walk On. Van Gerwen was able to win the bull out and starts this match with his own throw.
21:11
Suljovic in the outsider role
The Austrian Mensur Suljovic wants to thwart Michael von Gerwen. The Gentle is now looking back on his 15th participation in the World Championship. So far, it was over for him in the round of 16 at the latest. He has this goal firmly in his sights today, because with a win he would move into the top 16 darts players for the fourth time. But it won’t be an easy task, because his record against the Dutchman is not positive. In 18 encounters, Suljovic was only able to win three games.
21:08
Favorite at the start
After Michael von Gerwen had to experience a career low in 2020, he is celebrating something of a resurrection this year. The darts are easy in hand again and the Dutchman has already won important titles such as the Premier League, the World Matchplay, the World Grand Prix and the Players Championship Finals. Even before the World Cup, MvG has named itself the absolute top favorite for the 2023 World Cup title. One thing is certain: there will be no getting around him any time soon.
21:07
Welcome
Good evening and welcome to the second duel of the evening. The first game is history and has found a deserved winner in Joe Cullen. Michael von Gerwen and Mensur Suljovic are ready and can hardly wait for their walk on. The mood at Ally Pally is boiling.