Dirk van Duijvenbode has given an honest and eye-opening take on his relationship with fellow Dutchman Michael van Gerwen following his impressive straight-sets victory in the opening round of the World Grand Prix. The 32-year-old was in fine form as he stunned the six-time champion 2-0, producing one of the standout performances of the night and booking his spot in the next round. But it was his post-match comments that really caught attention, as he lifted the lid on the dynamic between the two players.
Van Duijvenbode admitted that while he respects van Gerwen’s achievements and talent, they are far from being close off the oche. “We’re not friends, but we get along,” he revealed when asked about their relationship. It was a refreshingly candid response from a player known for wearing his heart on his sleeve, offering fans a glimpse into the reality of professional rivalry at the highest level.
The match itself was a showcase of focus and composure. Van Duijvenbode controlled the pace early, capitalized on van Gerwen’s missed doubles, and sealed the win in straight sets. Although he admitted to making “a couple of mistakes,” he acknowledged that things went his way when it mattered most. The victory was particularly sweet for van Duijvenbode, who had never previously beaten van Gerwen in a televised match — a hurdle that can often be as psychological as it is technical.
Van Gerwen, meanwhile, was left frustrated after another early exit in a major tournament. The Dutch icon has endured a turbulent season, battling inconsistency and dealing with personal challenges that have affected his form. Once known for his near-unbeatable dominance, van Gerwen has struggled to find rhythm in recent months, and the defeat will only add to the questions surrounding his current level.
Despite the tension on stage, van Duijvenbode’s remarks after the match painted a picture of mutual respect rather than animosity. His statement — “We’re not friends, but we get along” — highlights a relationship built on competition rather than camaraderie, something that’s common in elite sport. At this level, rivalries are often defined by shared ambition rather than shared friendship.
Van Duijvenbode now moves on to face Daryl Gurney in the next round, carrying confidence and momentum after one of the biggest wins of his career. He knows the job is far from done, but his display against van Gerwen has already made a statement: he’s here to challenge the very best.
The result and the comments that followed have sparked plenty of discussion among darts fans. Many have praised van Duijvenbode’s honesty, appreciating his willingness to speak openly about the realities of the tour. In a sport where respect and rivalry often blur together, his words reflect a simple truth — you don’t need to be friends to compete with honour.
For van Gerwen, the focus now shifts to regaining consistency and rediscovering the ruthless edge that made him one of the game’s all-time greats. For van Duijvenbode, the victory marks another step forward in his rise up the PDC ladder, built on passion, talent, and a willingness to speak his mind.
Leave a Reply