Michael van Gerwen Criticizes Dimitri Van den Bergh’s Focus at World Grand Prix

Oct 3, 2023 at 9:28 AM Update: 18 minutes ago

Michael van Gerwen thinks it is unwise that the Belgian Dimitri Van den Bergh is already thinking about a possible duel with the Dutchman at the World Grand Prix. The defending champion is currently only focusing on his first-round match against Josh Rock.

Van den Bergh starts the tournament in Leicester on Tuesday against Englishman Chris Dobey. He looked in conversation with VTM already looking ahead to a possible match against Van Gerwen, who will face the Northern Irishman Rock on Tuesday.

“The fact that Dimitri is already busy with the second round is a rookie mistake,” says Van Gerwen VTM. “You shouldn’t say at the start of the tournament: ‘Then I will play against that one and then against that one.’ It doesn’t work that way. You have to take it game by game.”

‘Mighty Mike’ realizes that many darts players would rather avoid the three-time world champion. “I am of course a nightmare for many players. I only have to worry about myself. I have no influence on what someone else does.”

Van Gerwen doesn’t expect to beat Rock easily. “The first round is always difficult, because it is a short game format. Moreover, there are no easy matches anymore. In the past, you sometimes thought: I want to play against that darts player. But those opponents are no longer there.”

The 34-year-old Van Gerwen is the only remaining Dutchman at the World Grand Prix. Raymond van Barneveld, Danny Noppert and Dirk van Duijvenbode were eliminated in the first round on Monday.

Tuesday’s first round matches

Joe Cullen-Mike De Decker
Dave Chisnall-Luke Woodhouse
Damon Heta-Ryan Searle

Dimitri Van den Bergh-Chris Dobey

Peter Wright-Gabriel Clemens
Michael van Gerwen-Josh Rock
Jonny Clayton-Ross Smith
Luke Humphries-Daryl Gurney

Beeld: Getty Images

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2023-10-03 07:28:47
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