After a quarter-final thriller
Darts star van Gerwen: “I cried a bit”
02/01/2025 – 10:26 amReading time: 2 minutes
After a rousing duel in the “Ally Pally” including a World Cup record, Michael van Gerwen celebrated exuberantly on stage. Later, the top star became emotional.
Michael van Gerwen prevailed in a thrilling quarter-final at the Darts World Cup against the Englishman Callan Rydz and reached the semi-finals. The 35-year-old Dutchman was emotional after the 5-3 win.
“I was just on the cell phone and talking to my wife. I cried a little,” said van Gerwen on Wednesday. He emphasized how much he was affected by the efforts of the tournament: “People have to understand: This is my job and my passion. I love what I do – but it takes a lot of energy and you have to make a lot of sacrifices.”
The game between van Gerwen and Rydz is already considered one of the best quarter-final games in Darts World Cup history. Both players fought an intense duel in which they combined to throw 31 perfect 180s – a new record for a World Cup quarter-final. Van Gerwen achieved an average of 103.10 points, but was narrowly surpassed by Rydz, who scored 103.88. Nevertheless, it was enough for the former champion to advance.
Sport1 expert Robert Marijanović, himself a former World Cup participant, was enthusiastic: “It was one of the best World Cup quarter-final games of all time.” Van Gerwen also praised his opponent: “He gave me everything he had. He just didn’t stop throwing triples.” The Dutchman emphasized how important it was to be present in crucial moments: “You can see that Callan Rydz is in good shape. He doesn’t give up and keeps throwing 180s. That made it all the more important that I was there, when I had to be there.”
Van Gerwen will face Chris Dobey in the semi-finals on Thursday. The Englishman won his quarter-final against former world champion Gerwyn Price. Van Gerwen, who won the World Cup titles in 2014, 2017 and 2019, has now been waiting for his fourth title for six years and hopes to finally be able to triumph again at this tournament. Defending champions Luke Littler and Stephen Bunting will contest the second semi-final. You can find an overview of the schedule here.