Michael van Gerwen ready to renew rivalry with Peter Wright at World Matchplay
Saturday 25 July 2015 08:13, UK
Michael van Gerwen believes he is 'mentally stronger' than Peter Wright as he prepares to face his rival in Saturday night's semi-final at the World Matchplay.
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The Dutchman was reduced to tears after losing last year's final against Phil Taylor, but displayed a steely resolve as he fought back from 6-1 down to defeat Ian White 16-13 in Thursday night's quarter-final.
Blocking his path to Sunday's showpiece will be the flamboyant Wright, who branded Van Gerwen a 'baby' in a heated exchange after a Premier League draw, and recently defeated the world No 1 in the Japan Masters semi-final.
The pair have since patched up their differences, but both men are fuelled by emotion and should supply more melodrama on the oche at Blackpool's Winter Gardens.
Van Gerwen, a winner over Wright in the 2014 World Championships and at this year's UK Open final, has fired the first warning shot by suggesting he has a mental edge over 'Snakebite'.
I think I’m mentally stronger than Peter, but you also need to show it on television. He’s a fantastic player.
Asked about his rivalry with Wright, Van Gerwen told Sky Sports: "It's good for the fans of course.
"In the most important tournaments, I've beaten him in the finals and we're going to see what is going to happen here.
"This tournament I'm desperate to win. He has never won a tournament here, so he will be under pressure.
"Of course. I think I'm mentally stronger than Peter, but you also need to show it on television. He's a fantastic player. He's put on some fantastic performances, so you can't underestimate him. He's No 5 in the world.
"You can expect fireworks. People who have got tickets are in for a great evening of darts."
Van Gerwen admits he has adopted a more single-minded approach in recent years as he steadily climbed the rankings until reaching the summit of the sport.
His unwavering composure was on display in an epic tussle against White, with a worrying deficit failing to worry the 26-year-old, who hauled back a string of legs at a relentless pace.
"I had a feeling I was going to win the game anyway, but he still made it difficult," said Van Gerwen.
"He put me under pressure every time he needed to and you’ve got to show your strength and make sure you are playing well and don’t panic. That's a big thing in darts.
"I've already been playing with the big boys for nine years and just really enjoying it. That's an important thing in darts. Enjoy what you do, also try to focus on one thing and don't waste your energy on something else."
Taylor has also advanced to the semis after a ruthless 16-8 defeat of Dave Chisnall, extending his unbeaten run to 36 matches in the competition.
A revenge win over the dominant champion would be sweet for Van Gerwen, but he refuses to overlook the in-form Wright.
"Everyone can beat everyone in this tournament and I'm really desperate to win it," he said. "It doesn't matter who you play. I only can see Phil in the final anyway, so I first need to win against Peter Wright as well and that's not easy.
"It would be great to beat him in the final of course, but you don't want to look too far ahead."
Watch Saturday's semi-finals at the World Matchplay from 7pm on Sky Sports.
