Michael van Gerwen

Michael van Gerwen insists he will handle the pressure as he continues his bid for a fourth Cazoo World Darts Championship crown against Mensur Suljovic on ...

“This is the World Championship. “I want to win this tournament. I know I’m capable of doing that.

The World Championship favourite admits he felt awful after shunning the chance of a match dart on bullseye, before Suljovic checked out to set up a nervy ...

It was a bit of bad luck, but I won the game, which is the most important thing. But Suljovic, who contributed richly to the highest-quality game of the tournament to date, would not lie down and that 161 to take the fifth set was simply brilliant. “Of course I felt awful,” admitted Van Gerwen.

Michael van Gerwen continued his quest for a fourth world title with victory over Mensur Suljovic, while Michael Smith battled back to deny Martin ...

“I’ve gained a lot more experience, particularly in the big legs. “He’s a class lad but I didn’t agree with what he said. You need to get over these scares to hopefully win the event.” I think Mensur was phenomenal and he deserves a lot of credit,” said Van Gerwen. There could only be one winner and that was me luckily.” “I’ve not been at my best.

Michael van Gerwen and Michael Smith both win thrillers to progress through to the PDC World Championship fourth round.

In establishing a 3-1 lead in sets, Van Gerwen was required to win each set in a decider, and the Dutchman was on course to win 4-1 when setting up 32 to prevail. After taking the match to a decider, Smith averaged 103.14 in the seventh set, aided by timely 81 and 83 finishes, to set up a mouth-watering last-16 tie with [Michael van Gerwen](/people/michael-van-gerwen/) has overcome a scare against [Mensur Suljovic](/people/mensur-suljovic/) to book his place in the PDC World Championship fourth round.

'One of the most ridiculous things I've seen': Darts superstar left with egg on face after 'insane' gamble.

Look at his face! “Look at his face! Then the roof at the ‘Ally Pally’ was blown into space as Suljovic hit the bullseye with his final dart.

Michael van Gerwen continued his bid for a fourth Cazoo World Darts Championship title with victory over an inspired Mensur Suljovic, as Michael Smith ...

"I've gained a lot more experience, particularly in the big legs. I think Mensur was phenomenal and he deserves a lot of credit," said Van Gerwen, who will play Dirk van Duijvenbode or Ross Smith for a place in the last eight. "It means a lot. You need to get over these scares to hopefully win the event." "I can't really put it into words. There could only be one winner and that was me luckily."

Alan Soutar, Jose De Sousa and Joe Cullen also progressed at the PDC World Darts Championship.

I feel good, I feel comfortable, so I hope I can do some more damage in this World Championship.” Van Gerwen, champion in 2014, 2017 and 2019, was pushed all the way by Austrian Suljovic, who produced a stunning 161 checkout to take the contest to a sixth set. What a performance from both and the Ally Pally faithful have taken to Mensur, but Michael van Gerwen delivers as he wins 4-2 to reach the Last 16.

Heading into his match against Mensur Suljovic, Michael van Gerwen was conscious of the high profile carnage across the main draw, at Alexandra Palace.

In a true mark of a champion, though, he shook that set off and took the sixth 3-1 to win the match 4-2. "That is insane," the commentators proclaimed, "that is insane... Instead - and the TV cameras even missed this - he threw for 18 to leave himself a double 16 on his next (intended) go. People know what I’m capable of and I’m feeling comfortable, and at this stage of the tournament that is really important. He had just 121 left to knock off, while the Austrian was on 261. I believe in my own ability and I’m looking forward to the next one.”

Mensur Suljovic pulled off one of the most incredible checkouts at the Cazoo World Darts Championship after Michael van Gerwen opted out of a shot at the ...

Van Gerwen went on to analyse his performance. However, Van Gerwen felt very differently about his tactics and said he would 'do it again' if needed. While those on social media slammed the Dutchman for being 'disrespectful' and 'arrogant'. Wayne Mardle on commentary was shocked by Van Gerwen's decision and highlighted the Dutchman's arrogance. However, his tactics backfired as Suljovic pulled off the unthinkable. However, he opted for a single 18 instead - leaving 32 on the board.

'Mighty' Michael van Gerwen was made to look anything but after passing up a checkout chance against Mensur Suljovic, who instantly punished the Dutchman ...

Others on social media agreed the manoeuvre was 'disrespectful' of Van Gerwen, while others labelled it plain 'arrogant'. The commentator struggled to hold in his laughter upon seeing MVG's muted reaction, shouting: "Look at his face! Sky Sports' cameras captured Van Gerwen looking off awkwardly into the distance, meanwhile, seemingly in deep contemplation at handing his foe a route back into the match. Look at his face!" 'MVG' was coasting at 3-1 up in his third-round showdown against 'The Gentile' when complacency perhaps got the better of him. That quickly turned into raucous cheers when Suljovic sealed a poetic bull checkout of his own.