Michael van Gerwen has qualified for the final of the World Darts Championship for the seventh time in his career. The Vlijmenaar (35) was too strong for Chris Dobey 6-1 on Thursday evening in London’s Alexandra Palace. On Friday evening, Van Gerwen hopes to be able to call himself world champion for the fourth time.
Van Gerwen’s start was promising. He won the first set 3-1, the second set he was lucky that Dobey did not throw his decisive doubles: 3-2. The Englishman, who eliminated Brabander Alexander Merkx earlier this tournament, showed character and came back to 2-1 in sets.
In the fourth, fifth and sixth sets, Van Gerwen showed at times that he is almost back to his old top level after a difficult sporting year. Although the Brabander was fortunate that Dobey, who was in a World Cup semi-final for the first time, had difficulty throwing.
Self-confidence
The Englishman went for his last chance when he was 5-1 down. Into the audience Ally Pally was fully behind him, but his Dutch opponent was simply a size too big. The last set also went to Van Gerwen, who gained even more self-confidence.
Seventh final
Van Gerwen is in the World Cup final for the seventh time. The victories and defeats are neatly distributed: both three times. The opponent in the final on Friday evening comes from the match between Luke Littler and Stephen Bunting who meet later in the evening. In any case, the final spot is very attractive financially. The losing finalist will receive 200,000 English pounds in his account, the winner even 500,000.
These Brabant fans saw Van Gerwen win with ease on Thursday evening:
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