Like a thief in the night, Michael van Gerwen disappeared from the World Cup on New Year’s Day. The three-time world champion did not want to give any interviews after a surprise elimination in the quarter-finals against unseeded Englishman Scott Williams (5:3).
He left Alexandra Palace in a taxi shortly afterwards. Van Gerwen was not only deeply disappointed, he was also feeling unwell. His manager later announced that Brabander was experiencing stomach problems. Patient Van Gerwen felt like he was going to vomit.
Van Gerwen posted this message on X (formerly Twitter). “Unbelievable. This is not how I wanted to start 2024. I haven’t reached my highest level yet and this defeat hurts. Thank you for your support during the World Cup.”
Physical discomfort may also explain Mighty Mike’s poor performance in London. Van Gerwen had not lost a set at this World Cup until the quarter-finals, but had failed in the knockout, particularly against Williams. He hit just 11 of 38 doubles.
Williams can’t believe it
Williams took time to give interviews after her surprising win. The 33-year-old Briton was visibly delighted with the biggest victory of his career.
“I can’t believe it,” the winner said afterwards. “In terms of his talent, he (Van Gerwen, editor’s note) is a level above everyone else.”
At the time, Williams didn’t know he would face Luke Humphries in the semi-finals, but the best player of 2023 was already on his mind. “What both Lukes and Littler, and certainly Humphries, have done this year is phenomenal.”
“But in my opinion, Michael is one level higher. I watch the World Darts Championship every year. And now I beat Van Gerwen and I’m in the semi-finals.”
Even before the first dart was thrown, Williams suspected Van Gerwen was not at his best on Monday evening. During the throw-in he saw with a “cheeky look” in the catacombs that his opponent was clearly not in good shape. “He often held his arrows two or three millimeters below the triplets.”
“He wasn’t the Van Gerwen we’ve seen in the last two or three games,” Williams said. “But that’s not my problem.”
arm movements
Addressing the crowd with arm movements throughout the evening, the Englishman said, “He may have underestimated me even though he knew it wouldn’t be an easy game.”
Van Gerwen can also react with fanatic movements on stage. “Other darts players are afraid of Michael and don’t like playing against him because he poses a certain threat on stage. “I didn’t want to let that happen today.”
“Now you know that I love playing on a big stage. Michael is very present. But I did the same and it worked to my advantage.”
Source: NOS
I’m George Gonzalez, a professional journalist and author at The Nation View. With more than 5 years of experience in the field, I specialize in covering sports news for various print media outlets. My passion for writing has enabled me to craft stories that capture the attention of readers all over the world.
