BULLISH Michael van Gerwen says the King will return to the Palace this week.
In his first afternoon appearance at the Worlds for more than a decade, the Dutch dart deity knocked out superb Callan Rydz 5-3.
It was an exceptional tie with thirty-one 180s across the eight sets – 17 by Englishman Rydz – as both players averaged over 103 and took out more than 44% of their doubles.
Van Gerwen – who faces Chris Dobey on Thursday night over the best of 11 sets – is looking to win a record fourth world crown at Ally Pally, six years after his last triumph.
Phil Taylor won three of his 16 world championships in this Grade II-listed North London building.
He said: “A return of the king? That would be nice. People probably know the answer. I love to face battles.
“If I keep believing in my abilities, then the king will come back.
“Callan is in good form and kept throwing those 180s. I was getting annoyed at one point.
“The game had everything – drama, 180s, it was a good game. To be a part of games like these always gives you a lot of joy.
“Probably one of the best performances I have done in a long time. He kept me under pressure constantly. I couldn’t move at all.
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“I want to have steak every night of the week but you need to make sure you eat it smoothly.
“This was nice – but you have to do it again.
“I have to maintain this form otherwise you will be on the train home.
“The PDC have to pick the draw. Of course, with wonder boy Luke Littler, I expected to play in the afternoon. I understand it. But it might help me.”
