Three-time world darts champion Michael van Gerwen has sparked renewed tensions with his rival Peter Wright ahead of the upcoming PDC World Championship at Alexandra Palace. The two players are set for a potential showdown in the third round of the tournament.
Wright secured his place in the second round with a convincing 3-0 victory over Noa-Lynn van Leuven and is scheduled to face Arno Merk next. On the other hand, Van Gerwen narrowly escaped defeat against Mitsuhiko Tatsunami and is now preparing to meet the winner of the match between William O’Connor and Krzysztof Kciuk.
In response to Wright’s previous comments implying that Van Gerwen’s eyesight might be deteriorating, the Dutch player fired back after his recent win over Tatsunami. Van Gerwen challenged Wright’s remarks, expressing confidence in his vision and dismissing his rival’s claims.
Reflecting on his challenging match against Tatsunami, Van Gerwen admitted to struggling initially but managed to turn the game around. Despite facing personal difficulties in 2025, including his separation from his wife Daphne, Van Gerwen emphasized his dedication to his children and maintaining a strong focus on family amidst the tournament.
The World Darts Championship is set to kick off soon, with defending champion Luke Littler returning to compete against formidable opponents like Luke Humphries. The event promises exciting matchups and intense competition, with various players vying for the prestigious title at the highly anticipated Ally Pally venue.
