Michael van Gerwen advances to the round of 16 at the Darts World Championship, eliminating the last German player in the tournament. However, the statements of the three-time world champion caused a stir after the match.
Michael van Gerwen caused a stir online after his dominant 4:1 set victory. On Sunday evening, the Dutchman eliminated Arno Merk, the last German player at the Darts World Championship, and qualified for the round of 16.
Even though Merk repeatedly showed flashes of his class and was able to shorten the game in the third set after two high finishes (145 and 120 points) and a break, the three-time world champion was ultimately too strong for the World Championship debutant.
Michael van Gerwen polarizes with his statements after the duel with Arno Merk
MvG: “Didn’t have to play exceptionally well”
When asked how controlled the victory over Merk felt, MvG reacted extremely self-confidently afterwards. “Was it a competition? Not for me,” he said and explained: “I didn’t have to play exceptionally well to beat him.”
Van Gerwen also assumed that he could “bring out even more” if it “had been necessary.” Despite an overall good performance, the temporary setback did not throw him off his game: “Of course, he won a set, but even in that set, I played well.”
MvG also made a similarly self-confident impression in an interview with SPORT1 . “He should have done a bit more. I think he was too impressed by my game and the way I walked in,” van Gerwen revealed after the match.
Even though MvG warned on Sky Sports against underestimating an opponent, the 36-year-old’s statements were not well received by all fans.
Fans arrogantly criticize MvG
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Other X-users also criticized the Dutchman’s performance with a view of the upcoming round of 16.
The Dutchman’s statements also garnered attention in the international media. ESPN headlined: “Van Gerwen mocks Merk ‘competition’.”
At the press conference after the last 32 match, van Gerwen further elaborated on his statements and explained that he hadn’t known Merk before the tournament.
“I knew he won the German Super League. But I’m not impressed by anyone. If you’re impressed, it’s a kind of fear. And I’m never afraid – of anyone,” said Mighty Mike. “You always have to believe in your abilities. And whoever stands in your way, you still have to defeat them.”