Michael van Gerwen eliminated from World Championship by Gary Anderson
Michael van Gerwen faced a disappointing exit from the World Championship at Alexandra Palace, succumbing to a 4-1 defeat against Gary Anderson in the last 16, reports BritPanorama.
The Dutchman took full responsibility for his early departure, refusing to blame external factors as his aspirations for the title were dashed. “From the start of the match, I let myself down in key moments,” Van Gerwen said. “You can look at someone else, but in this defeat, I’m the culprit.”
His inability to convert crucial opportunities played a decisive role in the outcome, with missed doubles contributing significantly to his downfall. The three-time world champion expressed disappointment over what he considered a missed chance for a fourth title.
Despite believing he was in peak form compared to previous tournaments, the defeat marked a challenging year for Van Gerwen, who has grappled with personal and professional setbacks, including a divorce and inconsistent performances. His hopes of claiming a fourth world title, which he believed could rekindle his career, fell short as Anderson dispatched him with relative ease.
The match illustrated Van Gerwen’s fluctuating form, featuring moments of brilliance overshadowed by crucial errors. He squandered 20 double attempts during the match, leaving Anderson perplexed. “Michael missing all those doubles, I went: What the hell’s going on here?” Anderson remarked.
Even in defeat, Van Gerwen maintained a realistic outlook, stating, “I can handle this defeat. I’m realistic. I let it slide… It should have been 2-2 in sets. I sold myself short,” indicating a sense of accountability for the scoreline that ultimately did not reflect the contest he believed he could have had.
Turning his focus to the year ahead, Van Gerwen acknowledged the significance of this coming period for his career. “I know better than anyone that it’s going to be a very important year. I’m not running away from that,” he affirmed. His plans include a brief respite at home before he resumes competitive play in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.
Anderson, reflecting on the long-standing rivalry, praised Van Gerwen’s exceptional career, recalling how the Dutchman had dominated the sport for over a decade since his first major win. As the tournament progresses, the question remains whether Van Gerwen can reclaim the form that once made him a formidable champion.
