World Darts Championship: Michael van Gerwen hits back at Chris Dobey ‘nonsense’ ahead of semi-final at Alexandra Palace

Michael van Gerwen has described comments from his World Darts Championship semi-final opponent Chris Dobey as “nonsense”.

Dobey stated it would be a “bit easier” playing Van Gerwen in the last four rather than Callan Rydz, who is from the same north east town as him in Bedlington.

Van Gerwen beat Callam Rydz in a high quality match to set up a clash with Dobey and was asked about the English player’s comments, which were made before Van Gerwen won.

“People, when they win, they talk a lot of nonsense,” said Van Gerwen.

He added: “Dobey is a very interesting player to play against because he can produce something really good.

“So you always have to make sure you keep maintaining your own fire and everything because he’s a good player.

“So I’m not going to underestimate him because I had my battles with him. I know what he’s capable of and as long as you know, yeah, then everything is good.”

Dobey will play in the semi-finals at Alexandra Palace for the first time in his career after losing in the last eight in 2024 and 2023.

He agonisingly threw away a 4-0 lead to Rob Cross 12 months ago, but made a mini comeback of his own this year after losing the opening two sets to Gerwyn Price, before roaring back to win 5-3.

“I believe I can go on and win it, I just need to keep performing the way I can and hit my doubles,” said Dobey.

Van Gerwen: I believe ‘the King’ will come back

Van Gerwen will play his ninth World Championship semi-final on Thursday and is bidding for a fourth world title, having not won since 2019.

The 35-year-old did not win a televised tournament in 2024, which is the first time he has not won in a calendar year since 2011.

Asked whether he can become the ‘King of the Palace’ again, he said: “That would be nice. People probably know the answer, but no, it’s a tough one.

“It’s a tough battle, but I love to face battles, and as long as I keep believing in my own ability, then the King will come back.”

Van Gerwen came into the tournament slightly under the spotlight with all attention on Luke Humphries and Luke Littler.

If Littler beats Nathan Aspinall, he will play Stephen Bunting in the other semi-final, so the 17-year-old could meet Van Gerwen in Friday’s final.

Van Gerwen came into the tournament slightly under the spotlight with all attention on Luke Humphries and Luke Littler.

Who will win the Paddy Power World Darts Championship? Watch every match exclusively live until Friday, January 3 on Sky Sports’ dedicated darts channel. Stream darts and more top sport with NO