Michael van Gerwen has described his World Darts semi-final opponent Chris Dobey's comments as “nonsense”.
Dobey said it would be “a bit easier” to play Van Gerwen in the last four, instead of Callan Rydz, who is from the same North East town as he is at Bedlington.
Van Gerwen beat Callam Rydz in a high-quality match to set up a clash with Dobey and was asked about the Englishman's comments, which were made before Van Gerwen's win.
“People, when they win, talk a lot of nonsense,” Van Gerwen said.
He added: “Dobey is a very interesting player to play because he can produce something really good.
“So you always have to make sure you keep your fire going and everything because he's a good player.
“So I won't underestimate him because I've had my battles with him. I know what he's capable of and as long as you know, yeah, then it's all good.”
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Van Gerwen says if he keeps believing, 'The King will return' and insists he won't underestimate semi-final opponent Chris Dobey
Dobey will be playing in the semi-finals for the first time in his career at Alexandra Palace after losing in the round of 16 in 2024 and 2023.
He agonizingly threw away a 4-0 lead to Rob Cross 12 months ago, but staged a mini-comeback of his own this year after losing the first two sets to Gerwyn Price, before coming back to win 5-3.
“I believe I can go on and win, I just need to keep working the way I can and hit my doubles,” Dobie said.
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Dobey missed five darts matches but finished at double, double and earned himself a place in the semi-finals of the World Championships
Van Gerwen: I believe the 'King' will return
Van Gerwen will play in his ninth World Cup semi-final on Thursday and is bidding for a fourth world title, having not won it since 2019.
The 35-year-old has not won a televised event in 2024, the first time he has not won in a calendar year since 2011.
Asked if he could become 'King of the Palace' again, he said: “That would be nice. People probably know the answer, but no, it's difficult.
“It's a tough battle, but I like to face battles, and as long as I continue to believe in my abilities, the king will return.”
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Van Gerwen reveals his favorite Christmas movie and the food he likes to eat over the festive period as he tackles Christmas rapid fire style questions
Van Gerwen entered the tournament a bit under the spotlight with all the attention on Luke Humphries and Luke Littler.
Littler plays Stephen Bunting in the other semi-final, so the 17-year-old could meet Van Gerwen in Friday's final.
The Dutchman admits his experience could be a factor compared to the other three players, but is simply trying to stay focused.
“It's not about the title, it's about the sacrifice,” Van Gerwen said.
“You have to make sacrifices all year round and wherever it is, whatever day it is, if it's Easter, whatever it is, Valentine's Day, Christmas, I don't care about that. My wife knows it, my family knows it.
“You have to make sacrifices if you want to be the best at what you do. Of course, I didn't always show that last year, but the will is there and I think that's the most important thing.”
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