Three-time champion of the darts world, Michael van Gerwen, has sparked a renewed clash with his rival, Peter Wright. The two are set to potentially face off in the third round of the ongoing PDC World Championship at Alexandra Palace.
Wright secured his spot in round two with a commanding 3-0 win against Noa-Lynn van Leuven and is scheduled to play against Arno Merk in the next round. Van Gerwen, on the other hand, narrowly escaped defeat against Mitsuhiko Tatsunami and is now awaiting the winner from the upcoming match between William O’Connor and Krzysztof Kciuk.
Previously, Wright hinted at Van Gerwen’s declining vision, suggesting that younger players might have an edge due to better eyesight. However, following his victory over Tatsunami, Van Gerwen retaliated against ‘Snakebite’ for his remarks.
Expressing confidence, the Dutch player mentioned his successful performances in recent exhibitions and dismissed Wright’s comments. Van Gerwen highlighted his own skills and eye condition, challenging his rival’s credibility.
The intense match against Tatsunami saw Van Gerwen struggle initially but eventually secure a 3-1 victory after a tough battle. Reflecting on the match, Van Gerwen admitted to facing challenges with his performance but emphasized his determination to overcome obstacles in the game of darts.
Having reached the final in the previous Ally Pally event, Van Gerwen faced personal struggles in 2025, including his separation from his wife earlier in the year. Despite these difficulties, his focus remains on his children’s well-being and providing them with love and attention during this challenging time.
As the World Darts Championship heats up at the sold-out Ally Pally, defending champion Luke Littler prepares to face tough competition from contenders like Luke Humphries. The event promises excitement and anticipation as players gear up for intense matches in pursuit of the prestigious title.