January 2nd 2025.
As the World Darts Championship semi-finals approach, Michael van Gerwen has been analyzing his opponent, Chris Dobey, and believes he has identified a potential weakness. The Dutchman has hinted that Dobey may struggle under pressure, which could give him an advantage in their match on Thursday night.
Van Gerwen secured his spot in the semis with a spectacular 5-3 victory over Callan Rydz, where he averaged over 103 and continued his trend of improving his performance with each round at Alexandra Palace. This will be his ninth appearance in a World Championship semi-final, having won six out of his previous eight.
In contrast, Dobey will be competing in the semi-finals for the first time, having been knocked out in the quarter-finals in the last two editions of the tournament. However, he managed to overcome that hurdle this year with a 5-3 win over Gerwyn Price on Wednesday, although he admitted to feeling nervous as he approached the finish line.
"I've never been so nervous throwing at a winning double as today," Dobey said on stage after his victory. In a post-match press conference, the 34-year-old added, "It means a lot. It's a huge milestone in my career. Just getting over that winning line is incredibly tough."
When asked about Dobey's nerves, Van Gerwen believes it could be a weakness that he can exploit. "The only thing you have to do is keep playing well," the three-time world champion said. "Dobey is a fantastic player, but when you put him under pressure, he can miss. As long as you keep putting the pressure on him, I can do some damage."
Van Gerwen himself faced immense pressure in his match against Rydz, who put up a strong fight with a higher average, more 180s, and a better checkout ratio. When asked if he expects the same level of scoring from Dobey, the 35-year-old replied, "Not like Callan Rydz, but Dobey is a very interesting player. He can produce something really good. I always have to make sure I maintain my own fire because he's a good player."
The Dutchman is not underestimating Dobey, despite having had some tough battles with him in the past. "I'm not going to underestimate him because I know what he's capable of," he said. "I've had my battles with him, and I know he can be a threat."
Van Gerwen's most recent world title was six years ago, and he is determined to reclaim the crown. "It's a tough battle, but I love facing challenges," he said confidently. "As long as I believe in my own abilities, the king will come back."
The other semi-final will see Luke Littler taking on Stephen Bunting, with the winner facing Van Gerwen in the final on January 3rd. It's shaping up to be an exciting end to the World Darts Championship, and Van Gerwen is ready to face whatever challenges come his way.
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