Three-time world champion Michael van Gerwen has slammed Peter Wright's World Darts Championship claims as “nonsense” and described tournament favorite Luke Littler's format as a “disappointment”.
Van Gerwen booked a quarter-final clash with Callan Reds with a 4-2 win over Jeffrey De Graaf on Monday night, and the world number three subsequently took aim at Wright's assertion that the Reds should be favourites.
The Reds are unseeded but have posted the two highest averages of the tournament so far — 107.06 versus Romeu Grbavac in their opening match, and 105.31 in a 4-0 thumping of No. 11 Dimitri van den Berg in the third round.
Please use Chrome browser for an easily accessible video player
Van Gerwen roars with passion after beating Jeffrey De Graaf 4-2 to reach the quarter-finals
“I want to play like Callan Reeds,” Wright said after eliminating defending champion Luke Humphries in the fourth round. “He should be the favorite in this tournament. He is playing great darts and I hope he continues for a long time.”
It came after Wright had already made headlines when he said he was “ready to upset Luke Littler” and “here to upset Luke Humphries”, who called out his “mind games” ahead of the loss to the two-time champions Alexandra Palace.
Please use Chrome browser for an easily accessible video player
Luke Humphries has hit back at Wright's comments that the current champion won't even make it to the fourth round at the World Darts Championship
“Every year in the World Championship, he talks a lot of nonsense,” Van Gerwen said of Wright's latest comments.
“He's always allowed to talk nonsense. No one takes him seriously on tour either because he's not allowed to have an opinion at home.”
Van Gerwen said when asked about his quarter-final opponent, the Reds Sky Sports“I think he has the highest average in the tournament so far, so you can't underestimate him.
“I think he's playing some great darts, but we'll see. It'll be the first match of five sets, it's a completely different game.”
Please use Chrome browser for an easily accessible video player
Relive the winning dart and Wright's emotional post-match interview after defeating defending champion Humphreys to advance to the quarter-finals
He added: “When I play well, I don't panic. When I stay focused, and when I continue to believe in my abilities, anything is possible. I'm not here for fun, I'm here to win a championship.” “And we all know that.”
For Van Gerwen to win, he may have to face tournament favorite Littler, last year's runner-up, in the final.
Please use Chrome browser for an easily accessible video player
Highlights of Luke Littler's fourth round match with Ryan Joyce in the World Darts Championship
The 17-year-old has twice averaged over 100 in his three matches up to the quarter-finals, including 103.13 points in his win over Ryan Joyce in the fourth round, despite being forced into a final deciding set.
His 4-3 win means Littler has dropped five sets during the tournament so far, just two fewer than his entire run to the final last year.
Please use Chrome browser for an easily accessible video player
John Bart says Littler is unbeatable in this year's World Darts Championship
“I think the biggest disappointment so far has been Luke Littler,” Van Gerwen added in his press conference before Littler's win over Joyce. He added: “A lot of people expect a lot from him, and that's why he's not 100% ready.”
Asked about Van Gerwen's comments after his place in the quarter-finals, where he will face 12th seed Nathan Aspinall, was confirmed, Littler said: “It might answer some questions but I'm happy with the result, happy with the strength of the scoring.”
What's next in Worlds?
The World Darts Championships resume on New Year's Day, with each of Wednesday's rounds featuring two quarter-final matches.
The afternoon session will see Chris Dobie take on 2021 champion Gerwen Price, before Michael van Gerwen takes on three-time winner Callan Reeds.
What promises to be a stunning evening session will begin with two-time champion Peter Wright taking on Stephen Ponting, before Luke Littler takes on Nathan Aspinall.
Who will win the Paddy Power World Darts Championship? Watch every match exclusively live until 3 January on the dedicated darts channel Sky Sports. Stream darts and more of the best sports with NOW.
