Michael van Gerwen has vowed to teach world number one Luke Humphries a “lesson” after his thrilling win over rival Michael Smith in the World Matchplay final on Sunday.
In a dramatic match that featured more than 60 missed doubles, the meeting between Van Gerwen and Smith was tied 12-12, with the Dutch superstar surprisingly winning five of his last six games to score 136 points.
Humphries is just one win away from becoming the fourth man to win the World Championship and Match Play in the same year, defeating James Wade in the first semi-final.
Van Gerwen, one of three men to have achieved the feat alongside Phil Taylor and Peter Wright, will be live on Sunday’s showpiece. Sky Sports Action and Sky Sports Main Event from 7.30pm.
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Michael van Gerwen has vowed to teach Luke Humphries a lesson in Sunday’s final.
Van Gerwen will be looking to re-establish his dominance at Blackpool with a fourth win after a 17-13 win over Smith.
The world number three has won just one major title in the past 12 months and has struggled to keep up with the rise of Humphries and Luke Littler.
He will need to rediscover his best form after losing seven games to Humphries.
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Van Gerwen turned the tide of the game with a game-changing 136-point performance against Smith!
Van Gerwen came out of the traps quickly to score a 161 checkout to take a 4-1 lead, but ‘Bully Boy’ won the next four legs to take the lead.
The ‘Green Machine’ fought back with five straight runs to take a 9-5 lead, but Smith fought back to tie the game at 12-12.
The most important moment was when Van Gerwen checked out for 136 to stop his opponent’s throw, a moment from which there was no looking back.
“I’m in the final now. I don’t care what anyone says,” he said. “I have work to do, but who cares? I won.
“He did it better than me, it was a really good moment, and you could see my emotions from that moment on. I did it, and I don’t care.
“We have to teach (Humphreys) a lesson. We have to put him in his place tomorrow.”
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MVG set an early record with this whopping 161st place.
Humphries has reached the finals of eight of 10 major tournaments since losing in the semi-finals 12 months ago, winning six of them, and is regarded as one of the standout players.
He believes his records compare favorably with those of the best athletes to have ever played the sport.
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Luke Humphries felt the score did not reflect a very tough game against James Wade.
“I’ve achieved a lot in the last 12 months,” he said. “I’ve reached the finals of eight of the 10 majors.”
“I couldn’t ask for more. We live in an age where there are so many great darts players, so to be able to do something like this is really special.
“So all eyes are on whoever wins the World Championship and Match Play in the same year.
“The only people who have done something so incredible in such a short period of time are Phil (Taylor) and Michael. For me, it would be very special to match the achievements of two of the best darts players in the world.
“If I can win, honestly, it will definitely be one of the best 12 months any darts player has ever had.”
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Humphries is on the verge of reaching his first World Match Play final with this magical 156-point checkout…
‘Cool Hand’ won his first two matches, but Wade soon turned things around to advance to the semi-finals for the first time in nine years, leading 5-4.
With the game tied at 8-8, Humphries took control of the game by winning four consecutive games.
The world champion stormed to victory without dropping a tie, and any hopes of a comeback for Wade were dashed when he hit a 156-point checkout to take a 14-9 lead.
‘The Machine’ needed 10 darts to survive but Humphries won three of his last four games to break new ground in the Winter Garden.
John Part, World Match Play Final Preview
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John Paat says the World Matchplay final could not be an easy night for Luke Humphries and if there is anyone who can beat him it is Michael van Gerwen!
What happens at the World Matchplay on Sunday?
Luke Humphries and Michael van Gerwen meet in World Match Play final
The 2024 Betfred World Matchplay will continue at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens, with the semi-finals taking place on Sky Sports Action and Sky Sports Main Event on Sunday 21 July from 19:30. Get instant access to World Matchplay for just £26.
Three-time champion Michael van Gerwen continues his title challenge against world champion and world number one Luke Humphries.
This iconic summer tournament sees the world’s biggest stars compete for the Phil Taylor Trophy and £800,000 in prize money.
Women’s World Match Play
Beau Greaves headlines Women’s World Match Play
But first, Beau Greaves will defend her Betfred Women’s World Match Play title, as the top eight women compete for a £10,000 prize pool at a sumptuous afternoon event in the Empress Ballroom, with four world champions also taking part.
2024 Betfred Women’s World Matchplay
Sunday July 21st
(1) Beau Greaves vs (8) Katie Sheldon
(4) Mikuru Suzuki vs (5) Noa-Lynn van Leuven
(2) Polon Sherrock vs (7) Anastasia Dobromislova
(3) Lisa Ashton vs. (6) Rhian O’Sullivan
format
Quarterfinals – Best of 7
Semi-finals – Best of 9
Final – Best of 11 games
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Get ready for the Women’s World Matchplay live on Sky Sports Arena from 1pm on Sunday.
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