BULLISH Michael van Gerwen says the King will return to the Palace this week.
In his first afternoon appearance at the Worlds for more than a decade, the Dutch dart deity knocked out superb Callan Rydz 5-3.
It was an exceptional tie with thirty-one 180s across the eight sets – 17 by Englishman Rydz – as both players averaged over 103 and took out more than 44% of their doubles.
Van Gerwen – who faces Chris Dobey on Thursday night over the best of 11 sets – is looking to win a record fourth world crown at Ally Pally, six years after his last triumph.
Phil Taylor won three of his 16 world championships in this Grade II-listed North London building.
He said: “A return of the king? That would be nice. People probably know the answer. I love to face battles.
“If I keep believing in my abilities, then the king will come back.
“Callan is in good form and kept throwing those 180s. I was getting annoyed at one point.
“The game had everything – drama, 180s, it was a good game. To be a part of games like these always gives you a lot of joy.
“Probably one of the best performances I have done in a long time. He kept me under pressure constantly. I couldn’t move at all.
“I want to have steak every night of the week but you need to make sure you eat it smoothly.
“This was nice – but you have to do it again.
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”‘Take the jug off him!’ – Emma Paton calls out fan who’s caught spilling pitchers of beer at World Darts Championship” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6366605416112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]“I have to maintain this form otherwise you will be on the train home.
“The PDC have to pick the draw. Of course, with wonder boy Luke Littler, I expected to play in the afternoon. I understand it. But it might help me.”