Michael van Gerwen says he “doesn’t care” about Luke Littler and Luke Humphries until they play one of the two favorites to win the World Darts Championship.
Many expect Littler and Humphries to meet in the final next Saturday, January 3, but Van Gerwen is one of several star candidates who could rule out that possibility.
But Van Gerwen will only face Humphries in the semi-final and Littler in the final, a point he wanted to make clear.
“I’m not worried about Luke or Luke at the moment. I just need to focus on my performance. I won’t see them until the semi-finals and finals anyway,” he said.
First, Van Gerwen must defeat German debutant Arno Merk in the third round, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports on Sunday night, before a possible fourth-round fight with Gary Anderson.
“I feel good,” said the Dutchman, who last averaged over 100 points in a 3-1 win over William O’Connor in 1964.
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Michael van Gerwen checked out 121, 127 in back-to-back legs of Ally Parry vs. William O’Connor in the second round
“The biggest plus for me is that the format goes up (in the third round) to the first of four sets. I think he (Merck) did really well in his match against Peter Wright,” van Gerwen said.
“He was sharp and he was there when I needed him. So I need to focus on my performance and not look at others.”
Heading into the world championships, Van Gerwen said he was ready to overcome a “bad year” that has seen him struggle both in and out of Oche.
He split from his wife Daphne in May and took some time off from darts to get back into shape and win the World Series of Darts Finals in September.
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On Love The Darts, Colin Lloyd and Michael Bridge discuss what to expect from Michael van Gerwen at this year’s World Championship.
Van Gerwen said: “My current form may be good enough to go all the way, but I know I can do more. There are games where I can play a little worse and there are games where I have to work a little harder.”
“But I know exactly when it’s time to do more. Sometimes things don’t work out, but I’m not stupid. I’ve done it several times before.”
“You always have to keep believing in your abilities. I’m trying hard to keep making good darts, but I don’t really care about anything else.”
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Michael van Gerwen says the time has come for Peter Wright to retire following his defeat in the second round of the World Darts Championship.
Mardle: Don’t rule out Van Gerwen
At least one of Littler and Humphries has reached the finals in 15 of the top 16 televised tournaments dating back to the end of 2023.
But five-time World Championship semi-finalist Wayne Mardle of Sky Sports Darts is expecting some surprises, with 17 of the 32 seeded players already eliminated.
“I don’t think it’s just Luke Humphries[being able to stop Luke Littler]. I think it’s really short-sighted for anyone to look at what we’ve already seen in this world championship and say, ‘No, that can’t happen,'” he said.
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Luke Littler says he will prepare for Mensur Suljovic’s slower tactics when they face him in the third round of the World Darts Championship
“We’ve seen Wesley Plazier do a number with Gerwyn Price, we’ve seen Gabriel Clemens do a number with Wessel Nyman in a sense.
“Some things in life are out of your control, like beating Gary Anderson by playing poorly. To beat Michael van Gerwen, you have to be world class on stage.
“If they lose, it’s going to take a great performance to beat them. Michael van Gerwen comes into the final here when he’s not at his best, so I wouldn’t rule it out.”
Who will win the Paddy Power World Darts Championship? Watch every match live and exclusively on Sky Sports’ dedicated darts channel (Sky channel 407) until January 3rd. Stream darts and other top sports now.
