Michael van Gerwen has described his World Darts Championship semi-final opponent Chris Dobie's comments as “nonsense”.
Dobey said it would be “a little easier” to play Van Gerwen in the quarter-finals rather than Callan Rydz, who is from the same north-eastern town as him in Bedlington.
Van Gerwen defeated Calam Reds in a high-quality match to set up a match with Dube, and he was asked about the English player’s statements that were made before Van Gerwen’s victory.
“People, when they win, talk a lot of nonsense,” Van Gerwen said.
He added: “Dobby is a very interesting player to play against because he can do something really good.
“So you always have to make sure you keep your fire up and everything because he's a good player.
He added, “So I will not underestimate him because I fought battles with him. I know what he is capable of and as long as he learns, yes, everything is fine.”
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Michael van Gerwen says if he keeps believing, 'the king will come back', and insists he will not underestimate semi-final rival Chris Dobbie.
Dobby will play in the semi-finals at Alexandra Palace Stadium for the first time in his career after losing in the quarter-finals in 2024 and 2023.
He blew a 4-0 lead against Rob Cross 12 months ago, but has made a comeback this year after losing the first two sets to Gerwyn Price, before coming back strongly to win 5-3.
“I think I can go on and win the title, I just need to keep performing the way I can and achieve my doubles,” Dube said.
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Chris Dobie missed five darts but finished with two darts to book himself a place in the World Championship semi-finals
Van Gerwen: I think “The King” will return
Van Gerwen will play in the World Championship semi-finals for the ninth time on Thursday and is seeking a fourth world title, having not won it since 2019.
The 35-year-old has not won a televised tournament in 2024, the first time he has not won in a calendar year since 2011.
Asked if he could become the “King of the Palace” again, he said: “That would be nice. Maybe people know the answer, but no, it's a difficult answer.”
“It's a tough battle, but I love fighting battles, and as long as I believe in my abilities, the king will return.”
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Michael van Gerwen reveals his favorite Christmas movie and the food he loves to eat over the festive period as he answers quick questions Christmas style
Van Gerwen came into the tournament a bit under the spotlight with all the attention on Luke Humphries and Luke Littler.
If Littler beats Nathan Aspinall, he will play Stephen Ponting in the other semi-final, so the 17-year-old could meet Van Gerwen in the final on Friday.
Van Gerwen came into the tournament a bit under the spotlight with all the attention on Luke Humphries and Luke Littler.
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