Michael van Gerwen has declared that he is not concerned with the prospects of fellow competitors Luke Littler and Luke Humphries until he faces them later in the tournament. As the World Darts Championship progresses, many analysts predict that Littler and Humphries are likely to meet in the final on January 3, 2024. However, van Gerwen aims to disrupt that narrative, emphasizing his focus on his own performance rather than the potential matchups ahead.
Van Gerwen, a three-time world champion, will first contend with German debutant Arno Merk in the third round, scheduled for Sunday evening, live on Sky Sports. He is also eyeing a possible fourth-round clash against former champion Gary Anderson. “I don’t care about Luke and Luke at this moment. I just need to concentrate on my own performance,” he stated. “I can’t meet them until the semi-finals and final anyway.”
Prepared for the Challenge
Having secured a convincing 3-1 victory over William O’Connor in the last 64, where he averaged over 100, van Gerwen feels optimistic about his form. “The biggest plus for me is the format rises to first of four sets in the third round. I think [Merk] did really well in his game against Peter Wright,” he remarked, highlighting his need for focus against his next opponent.
Entering the championship, van Gerwen expressed a desire to move past what he termed his “worst year” in darts. After his separation from his wife Daphne in May, he took time off to regroup and subsequently secured a title at the World Series of Darts Finals in September. “My form now could be good enough to go all the way,” he noted, acknowledging that while he has the capability to perform at a high level, consistency is crucial. “You always need to keep believing in your ability,” he emphasized.
Competition and Predictions
Despite the strong predictions for Littler and Humphries, van Gerwen is not prepared to concede the stage. According to Wayne Mardle, a five-time World Championship semi-finalist and a commentator for Sky Sports Darts, the tournament has already seen significant upsets, with 17 of the 32 seeded players eliminated. “I don’t think it’s just down to Luke Humphries to stop Luke Littler,” Mardle pointed out. “We have seen Wesley Plaisier do a number on Gerwyn Price. There are certain things in life you just cannot do, like play poorly and beat Gary Anderson.”
Mardle’s insights reflect the unpredictable nature of the tournament, where van Gerwen’s experience and skill could prove decisive. He emphasized that van Gerwen can still reach finals even when not at his best, making him a formidable opponent. “If they do get beaten, it will take an amazing performance to beat them,” he stated, underscoring van Gerwen’s enduring competitive edge.
As the championship unfolds, all eyes will be on van Gerwen to see if he can reclaim his spot among the elite in darts. Matches will continue to air live on Sky Sports until the championship concludes, allowing fans to witness the drama and excitement of this prestigious tournament.
