MICHAEL VAN GERWEN was labelled “disrespectful” after his checkout snub during his clash with Mensur Suljovic.
The score was tied at two legs each heading into the fifth when the incredible moment occurred.
Van Gerwen, who went on to eventually claim victory, needed a bullseye to win the match at the World Darts Championship but opted out of a shot at it for the match while on a 121.
He instead went for a single 18 to leave 32 remaining on the board.
Obviously, the Dutchman had made a calculated move as he believed his Austrian counterpart would fail to hit 161, which would allow him to hit a double 15 to checkout.
However, his tactics backfired spectacularly as Suljovic pulled off the unthinkable – which left the legendary Wayne Mardle shocked in the commentary booth.
He said: “He’s not going for it, he thinks someone averaging 101 is not going to take out 161.”
Suljovic fired a treble 20, treble 17 and bullseye to checkout at 161 which left Van Gerwen clearly embarrassed as his face instantly dropped as the crowd went wild.
Mardle continued: “That is insane, that is insane.
“Look at his face, look at his face. That is one of the most ridiculous things I have ever seen.”
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Van Gerwen’s tactics were jeered by those in attendance at Ally Park as former players and fans slammed the 33-year-old.
Commentator and ex-Belgian darts player Erik Clarys said: “It’s so disrespectful. It’s like saying to your opponent: go ahead, you can’t do it anyway.
“When such a great player does something like that, it should be punished every time.”
Another fan tweeted: “Exactly why I can’t stand MVG, no respect for his professional counterparts.”
A fellow viewer commented: “That was just brilliant. MVG said come and have a go if you think you can take it out, up steps Suljovic and he says OK then, 161 on the bull. Unbelievable match this has been. The look on MVG face was priceless.”
While another said: “Van Gerwen gambled that Suljovic couldn’t finish the 161, which is very difficult. So MVG didn’t go for bullseye. Which is disrespectful. Suljovic punished the arrogance.”
But Van Gerwen had a much different view and said afterwards: “That move at the end of the fifth set? I’ll do it again next time.
“It didn’t expect this, but on the other hand it also makes it a good game. It was tense, there was some good darts – it was amazing.
“I won the game, and I think that’s the most important thing. I feel comfortable, so I hope I can do some more damage in this World Championship.”
