MICHAEL VAN GERWEN denied Callan Rydz a Bedlington Super League reunion with Chris Dobey following a statement win on New Year’s Day.
And Rydz – who has had an exceptional tournament – showed class by telling fans NOT to boo the match darts.
https://twitter.com/SkySportsDarts/status/1874488394849399259MVG was the MVP as he won 5-3 in the second quarter-final of the PDC World Darts Championship in a brilliant game.
There were thirty-one 180s across the eight sets – 17 by Englishman Rydz – and both players averaged over 103 and took more than 44 per cent of their doubles.
Rydz, 26, played superbly and had two darts to take this into a ninth-set decider but blinked first in a contest of high stakes.
It was a shame on him especially as he had become a crowd darling, who sang songs about his hairstyle.
This result means the Dutchman, 35, remains on course to win a first world crown in six years – the longest barren spell of his career since he was first world champion in 2014.
It also banishes memories of his shock New Year’s Day defeat to Scott Williams exactly a year ago.
This was the first time he had appeared in an afternoon session at world level for a decade but he can now have a relaxing evening without any worries.
Rydz and Chris Dobey – who are distant relations – play each other in Wednesday Super League matches back home in the North East town of Bedlington.
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This was Box Office viewing and Rydz showed sportsmanship when he tried to stop the fans jeering the three-time world champion as he nailed double 16 to progress.
The world No.43 was waving to fans as Van Gerwen was throwing in an attempt to quiet the noise.
Van Gerwen, appearing in a ninth world championship quarter-final, said: “He gave me everything. He didn’t stop throwing trebles. At some point, at 4-2 up, I thought I had broken him.
“Callan is in good form and kept throwing those 180s. I was getting annoyed at one point.
“More importantly, I did the right things when I had to. I’m so glad with my own performance. I’m really happy.
“My game is in a good place. In the semi-finals that doesn’t mean anything. I have to maintain my form. The crowd deserves it. I think I deserve this.
“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.
“Everyone knows I have had a tough year, I am battling through everything. What do you want to know? I am still here, I believe in my own ability.
“This means a lot to me. Experience helps a lot but when people like Callan are throwing 180s for fun, you need to stop it.
“I had to keep putting him under pressure. He had some fantastic finishes. I was getting annoyed. I thought: ‘Stop it.’ At that point, I thought I was the better player.
“Fair play, I thought he had a fantastic tournament. But I am glad I was there to stop it.”
