Three-time champion of the world in darts, Michael van Gerwen, has sparked a renewed rivalry with his competitor Peter Wright. The two are on a collision path at this year’s PDC World Championship at Alexandra Palace and are set to face off in the third round if everything goes as expected.
Wright secured his spot in the second round with a convincing 3-0 win over Noa-Lynn van Leuven and is scheduled to play against Arno Merk in the next round. Van Gerwen, on the other hand, narrowly avoided an upset against Mitsuhiko Tatsunami and will now await the winner of the upcoming match between William O’Connor and Krzysztof Kciuk.
In response to Wright’s earlier comments insinuating that his vision might be deteriorating, Van Gerwen retaliated after defeating Tatsunami. The Dutch player challenged Wright’s remarks and boasted about his performance in recent exhibitions, dismissing any concerns about his eyesight.
Van Gerwen faced a tough challenge against Tatsunami, who took the first set and an early lead in the second set. Despite the initial setback, Van Gerwen managed to turn the match around and secured a 3-1 victory.
Reflecting on his performance, Van Gerwen acknowledged the difficulties he faced during the match, attributing them to pressure and self-doubt. The former world champion highlighted the importance of maintaining composure and battling through such situations in the game of darts.
Having reached the final at Alexandra Palace in the previous edition, where he lost to Luke Littler, Van Gerwen has experienced personal challenges in 2025, including his separation from his wife earlier in the year. The darts player emphasized his focus on his children amidst these personal struggles.
As the World Darts Championship approaches, anticipation builds for the clash between defending champion Luke Littler and challenger Luke Humphries. The tournament promises an exciting showdown, with various features and interviews adding to the excitement for darts enthusiasts.