Michael van Gerwen Advances to Semi-Finals

Michael van Gerwen secured his spot in the semi-finals of the World Matchplay in Blackpool with a determined 16-10 victory over Andrew Gilding. The Dutch world number two initially struggled against Gilding but turned the match around with a dominant eight-leg winning streak. Van Gerwen overcame an 8-6 deficit to establish a commanding 14-8 lead as Gilding faltered in response at the Winter Gardens.

“Everyone knows playing him [Gilding] is tough. He is very slow and sometimes a bit boring to play,” Van Gerwen told Sky Sports. “But what a darts player. You need to always be at your best. I know I can perform even better.” Gilding, making his quarter-final debut at the Winter Gardens, set the early pace with a 148 checkout in the third leg, the highest of the match.

However, Van Gerwen, who had previously eliminated teenager Luke Littler in the first round, found himself trailing 6-3. He fought back, scoring a crucial 136 checkout to narrow the gap to 8-7, and then surged ahead with his match-defining streak. Despite a late rally from Gilding, Van Gerwen sealed the win with an 80 checkout on double tops.

Van Gerwen averaged 96.99 and hit over 100 in 34 legs, but was frustrated by a double success rate of only 30%. “I missed too many doubles. It was tough. My doubles were not great, but winning is what matters. I think I found another gear,” he reflected.

In the semi-finals, Michael van Gerwen will face Michael Smith, who won convincingly 16-7 against Rob Cross. Smith led 8-2 early on, capitalizing on Cross’s missed opportunities, including 27 missed doubles.

Saturday’s semi-final schedule is:
– Luke Humphries vs. James Wade at 20:15 BST
– Michael van Gerwen vs. Michael Smith at 21:45 BST