"I only played at 80 per cent. I have more in the tank and I feel good - that's the most important thing"
Tuesday 25 July 2017 10:27, UK
Michael van Gerwen began his pursuit of a hat-trick of World Matchplay titles with victory on Monday night and then delivered a stark warning to his rivals.
The reigning and defending champion pummelled St Helens' thrower Stephen Bunting 10-4, finishing the match off in typical fashion with a stunning 160 checkout.
But after looking like he was going to romp to a whitewash win after claiming the opening seven legs, missed doubles allowed Bunting back into the first-round clash before the Dutch ace stepped on the gas to walk off stage with a convincing victory.
And in a confident post-match interview with Sky Sports' Laura Woods, he said: "Stephen missed a few doubles here and there, but it's exactly what I said before the game - Stephen is not in his best form, he's missing doubles and it was the same scenario during the match. I took full advantage of that. I was cool, calm, and I did what I had to do."
Speaking about whether or not his next opponent Simon Whitlock will be a threat to him, Van Gerwen responded by saying: "No. I don't like anyone being a threat to me. Simon is a good player, he's playing well, but he has an injury to his elbow so it might be a disadvantage to him.
"I want to do the right thing. I only played at 80 per cent. I have more in the tank and I feel good - that's the most important thing."
With either 15-time World Matchplay champion Phil Taylor or Raymond van Barneveld awaiting the winner of the match in the quarter-finals, the world No 1 added: "Who cares? It doesn't matter. You need to look to yourself. If you want to win this tournament you have to beat everyone."
Sky Sports expert Wayne Mardle felt that the Dutchman got "carried away" with the moment and the arrogance he portrayed was not the real Van Gerwen.
"It wasn't the best performance of his life and the averages say that," Mardle said. "I just think he was so pleased with the way he felt that he kind of got carried away with it which is unusual for him.
Simon will have to play very, very well and he knows it. Will he beat him? probably not. Will Michael be beaten in the tournament? Probably not
"We know the arrogance Michael portrayed he hasn't got has he? We know him as more of a jester, he'll joke around.
"Simon will have to play very, very well and he knows it. Will he beat him? probably not. Will Michael be beaten in the tournament? Probably not."
Watch all the action from the World Matchplay Darts at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool from 7pm on Sky Sports Action on Tuesday night, or watch for £6.99 without a contract on NOW TV. The arrows run right through until the final on Sunday, July 30.
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