Michael van Gerwen celebrates against Callan Rydz. (Image: Getty)
has hit out at Chris Dobey just hours before the pair go head-to-head in the PDC semi-finals. MVG booked his place with a 5-3 win over Callan Rydz, with Dobey fighting back from 2-0 down to beat Gerwyn Price by the same scoreline.
Van Gerwen, now just two wins away from a fourth title at Ally Pally, was made to fight hard by Rydz who outscored the Dutchman over the course of the match.
It’s the clash that Dobey seemingly wanted, having said after his own win that facing Van Gerwen would “probably be easier” than taking on Rydz.
But when asked about Dobey’s comments, the world No.3 was dismissive, firing back: “People when they win, they talk a lot of nonsense.”
Van Gerwen, 35, was also scathing about suggestions he was outplayed by Rydz for long periods. “Did he have more 180s than me?” he said. “Really? I don’t care. What’s the stats mean… three-five.
“This is why the World Championship is a very dangerous tournament. I think Gerwyn Price was the better player over [Chris] Dobey. The set format is totally different than leg format, but a lot of people don’t see it that way. But I’ve been in this game for quite a long time so I can judge it.”
Chris Dobey fought back from 2-0 down to beat Gerwyn Price. (Image: Getty)
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
In a match of high quality, Van Gerwen twice edged ahead but was pegged back by Rydz, who hit 17 maximums in the match. He pulled two sets clear at 4-2 but again Rydz hit back before the ‘Green Machine’ closed things out with an average of 103.1.
Rydz ended with a superior average of 103.88 and hit 46.15 per cent on the doubles. In contrast, Van Gerwen made just 44.74 per cent on checkouts, but it proved enough to make the final four.
Van Gerwen has cut a spiky figure this week, also taking aim at Peter Wright after he claimed he had the game to beat both Luke Humphries and Luke Littler. In what appeared a personal jibe at his rival’s marriage, he said: “Every year at the Worlds, he talks so much nonsense.
“He’s always allowed to talk c**p. No one takes him serious on the tour as well because he’s not allowed an opinion at home.”
That was despite Wright backing up his words . However, ‘Snakebite’ was then beaten by Stephen Bunting in the last eight, who’ll now face Littler for the right to play Van Gerwen or Dobey in the final.