- MvG won the title in 2014, 2017 and 2019, but has struggled in recent years.
- However, he is well placed to compete this year, despite Rydz’s best efforts.
- The three-time champion will face Dobey on Thursday in the quarterfinals
Three-time world champion Michael van Gerwen overcame this year’s 300-1 surprise package Callan Rydz to reach the semi-finals at Alexandra Palace.
Van Gerwen’s 5-3 win over Rydz means he will face another hurler from the small Northumberland town of Bedlington – Chris Dobey, the Geordie who also won 5-3 against 2021 champion Gerwyn Price on the same day.
‘MvG’ triumphed at Ally Pally in 2014, 2017 and 2019, and the Dutchman, once considered a threat to Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor’s tally of 16 world titles, fell behind in this crown.
He was forced to work for the victory by Rydz, who racked up 17 maximums to his opponent’s 14 and averaged 103.88 over his 103.10.
“He gave me everything, he didn’t stop,” Van Gerwen said. ‘It had drama, 180 degrees, it was a good game. I am very happy with my own performance. I need to make sure I maintain this form. “He had a fantastic tournament, but I’m glad I was there to stop him.”
You would do well to find a sporting event that attracts as many casual fans as the World Darts Championship; Ally Pally attendees usually come here to have a good time.
Michael van Gerwen reached the semi-finals of the World Darts Championship this Wednesday
He bested surprise package Callan Rydz, who hit more highs and averaged higher.
Mvg will face another Newcastle player, Chris Dobey, in Thursday’s semi-finals
Sky Sports love to pop into the main room to perform some vocal pops. Before Van Gerwen’s match, a guy in a ’70s disco outfit guessed he would win 4-3, not realizing he was first in five sets. Another woman, dressed as Princess Fiona from Shrek, responded ‘what he said’ following her other half’s 5-4 prediction to ‘MvG’.
In fact, it became a close contest. After Van Gerwen took the first set, Rydz recovered. The 26-year-old hit 12 consecutive darts, including a checkout of 135 with a bull smash, and leveled the match at 1-1 with a shutout in the second set.
At 2-2, the Ally Pally faithful were having fun singing their new chant for Rydz: “He’s got shit hair but we don’t care.” Another bettor had “hair to the throne” written on his 180 card.
But the relentless Van Gerwen surged forward to take a 4-2 lead. Rydz responded with double double tops to bring the score back to 4-3. But in the end, this epic turned out well for MvG, who found his favorite double 16 to reach the semifinals where he will face Dobey.