Michael van Gerwen is through to the last-16 od the World Championship despite calling his latest display “absolute c**p.” The three-time champion appeared to be cruising as he led Brendan Dolan 3-1, only to let the Irishman back into the contest.
‘MVG’ went off the boil in the fifth set, allowing Dolan to make it 3-2, and then the next set was on a knife-edge after going to a deciding leg.
After Dolan missed a shot at bullseye to level the match, Van Gerwen finally prevailed by taking out double eight.
“I was so glad that double eight went in at the end,” he said in his post match interview. “I thought after the 1-1, I produced two really good sets, but I let it slip away with a few things because of my disability.
“I think the fifth set was absolute c**p. And you’re not allowed to do that. Especially against Brendan, he’s like a fighter he never gives up, and you don’t want to put yourself in trouble but I nearly did.”
Van Gerwen started tamely despite an early break of throw, with Dolan cominb back and taking out 72 to take the first set. It was one-way traffic for the three sets that followed, before the Dutchman was forced into an unexpectedly nervous finish.
Despite his mixed display, the 35-year-old declared himself happy to come have come through, and reiterated his ambition to again go all the way at Ally Pally. “You have keep performing, you have to believe in your own ability,” he said.
“There’s still a lot of work to do, but I know I’m capable of doing it. I’m though to the next round and yeah, let it roll on. There’s no easy games at this stage.”
MORE TO FOLLOW
We’ll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.
For the latest news and breaking news visit: express.co.uk/sport/football. Stay up to date with all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.
Follow us on Twitter @dexpress_sport – the official Daily Express & Express.co.uk Twitter account – providing real news in real time.
We’re also on Facebook @dailyexpresssport – offering your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day to like, comment and share from the Daily Express, Sunday Express and Express.co.uk.