In a thrilling semi-final showdown at the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship held at Alexandra Palace, Michael van Gerwen, the three-time world champion, delivered a commanding 6-1 victory over Chris Dobey, securing his spot in the final. However, the post-match interview took an unexpected turn, forcing Sky Sports presenter Abigail Davies to issue an on-air apology after Van Gerwen’s choice of words caught the audience off guard. The incident, which sparked laughter from the lively crowd, added a dramatic twist to an already electrifying evening of darts.
Van Gerwen, known as “The Green Machine” for his signature green shirt and relentless playing style, showcased his prowess with an impressive average of 98.84 and a 43% success rate on doubles. His performance against Dobey was a masterclass in efficiency, even if it lacked the explosive flair of his previous match against Callan Rydz. Speaking to Davies after the win, Van Gerwen reflected on his performance with characteristic candor: “I can be happy with the performance. Of course, I wasn’t playing as explosive as I was in the last game, but I was efficient.” He emphasized his mental resilience, stating, “This part of it [the doubling] will always have ups and downs, but today I showed, I think, a lot of mentality. Even when things were not going my way, I was still able to do good stuff at good moments.”
The interview took a lively turn when Davies asked Van Gerwen where a potential fourth world title would rank among his previous triumphs. The 35-year-old Dutchman, brimming with passion and focus, responded bluntly: “I’m in the final, I’ve won f*** all yet. I need to make sure I do it in the final.” The crowd erupted in laughter, and Van Gerwen himself chuckled, but Davies was quick to address the slip, saying, “We are going to have to apologise for that language there.” The moment underscored Van Gerwen’s fiery determination and unfiltered personality, traits that have made him a fan favorite and a formidable force in darts.
Van Gerwen’s journey to the final was no small feat. The semi-final victory marked his seventh appearance in a PDC World Championship final, a testament to his enduring dominance in the sport. Despite not having won the coveted Sid Waddell Trophy since 2019, Van Gerwen expressed confidence in his mission, noting, “I’m here with a mission, with a target. To win on this stage, especially in the semi-finals, means a lot to me.” He remained cautious, however, reminding himself and the audience that the title was still far from secured: “We are still so far away. Tomorrow is another day, and the title is still far away. That’s what I have to tell myself.”
The Dutchman’s opponent in the final would be determined by the outcome of the other semi-final between teenage sensation Luke Littler and Stephen Bunting. Van Gerwen, unfazed by the prospect of facing either player, praised the electric atmosphere at Alexandra Palace: “It’s going to be an incredible final anyway. The crowd here are loving it, the people at home are loving it, so what more do you want? This is darts at a high level, and this is what we want to do.” His words captured the essence of the championship’s appeal, with viewership soaring by 39% compared to the previous year, averaging 471,000 viewers per match.
The incident wasn’t the first time Van Gerwen’s passion got the better of him. Known for his exuberant celebrations, including headbutts and fist pumps, he has occasionally stirred controversy with his outspoken nature. Earlier in the tournament, he dismissed comments from fellow player Peter Wright as “nonsense,” showcasing the competitive tensions that fuel the sport’s drama. Despite the apology, the moment added to the narrative of Van Gerwen as a player who wears his heart on his sleeve, unafraid to speak his mind.
As Van Gerwen prepares for the final, the darts world is abuzz with anticipation. A victory would mark his fourth world title, further cementing his legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats. With a career boasting 47 PDC majors, including a record seven Premier League titles, Van Gerwen remains a towering figure in darts. However, the challenge ahead is daunting, whether he faces the prodigious Littler, who reached the final the previous year, or the experienced Bunting, a former BDO world champion. Regardless of the outcome, Van Gerwen’s performance and candid personality have once again made him a central figure in the sport’s biggest stage, proving that his fire still burns brightly.
Leave a Reply