Michael van Gerwen says he expects the final against Luke Littler or Stephen Ponting to be “amazing” after his seventh World Darts Championship semi-final win.
Three-time champion Van Gerwen ended a six-year wait to end his tournament campaign with a 6-1 victory over Chris Dube in the semi-finals at Alexandra Palace in London.
Michael van Gerwen has reached the final of the World Darts Championship for the seventh time! 🟢🎯
He now has a chance to win a fourth world title 🏆pic.twitter.com/OtbZNwiw5x
— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) January 2, 2025
“That's something to worry about tomorrow – I don't care,” the Dutchman told Sky Sports when asked about the prospect of facing Littler or Ponting in Friday's decider (8pm GMT).
“It's going to be unbelievable… There have been so many great moments. The crowd loves it, the people at home love it – what more do you want? This is darts at the highest level and that's what we want to do.”
MVG got an impressive 158 pushes 🤩 pic.twitter.com/gE8VNLhNxP
— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) January 2, 2025
Van Gerwen vs. Dobbe
In his first semi-final of the tournament, Dube missed three darts on a brace to level the match before Van Gerwen took advantage to take a 2-0 lead.
Van Gerwen appeared to occasionally cruise his way past Dobe, including scoring 158 points during the sixth set on his way to an average of 98.84 points.
Chris Dobie with the big fish! 🐟 pic.twitter.com/WNaSz46XDd
— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) January 2, 2025
Dobbie averaged 94.77 but fell short of the heights he was always likely to demand, finishing with a respectable showing as part of a run that would place the Englishman inside the top 10 in the world.
“I love performing on stage,” Van Gerwen said. “It's my passion, it's my life. I really enjoyed tonight. We're still a long way away (from winning).
“I still have to fight. (Friday) is another day and the title is a long way away. That's what you have to keep telling yourself. I don't want to make mistakes. I want to keep it that way.”
MVG celebrates with his adoring fans 📸 🤩 pic.twitter.com/6tKkCgXG9k
— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) January 2, 2025
World Darts Championship final: Van Gerwen is “effective”
“A 99 average is not that bad. “I'm happy with the performance… I was efficient,” Van Gerwen added. “When I had to do things, I did it at the right moment and that's what you have to do to win games.
“You always have ups and downs, but today I had the right mentality. Even when things didn't go my way, I produced good things at the right moments.
“Winning at this stage, especially in the semi-finals, means a lot to me. My family is watching me and it means a lot.”
Outright favorite Littler meets Stephen Ponting in the second semi-final straight after Van Gerwen's win on Thursday.
