Michael van Gerwen blasts Peter Wright for saying Callan Rydz is the favorite

In the 2024/25 PDC World Darts Championship held at Alexandra Palace in England, Michael van Gerwen faced Callan Rydz in a quarter-final match. Van Gerwen, a three-time world champion, capitalized on a missed opportunity by Rydz, leading him to a 5-3 victory after a thrilling contest where both players showcased impressive darting skills. This match marked a significant moment for Rydz, who previously had not lost a set in the tournament and was praised for his high tournament averages. Van Gerwen's victory set up a semi-final clash with Chris Dobey, who knocked out Gerwyn Price in the other quarter-final. Prior to this match, Van Gerwen took issue with Peter Wright’s comments that Rydz should be favored to win the tournament. Wright's remarks stirred controversy, as they were viewed by Van Gerwen as undermining the competition and filled with 'nonsense.' Despite acknowledging Wright's recent strong performance against Luke Humphries, Van Gerwen asserted that no one on the tour takes Wright seriously due to his frequent controversial statements. He expressed confidence in his own game, indicating that he was focused solely on winning the tournament. Rydz, on the other hand, appeared to respond to Wright's compliments graciously, while remaining focused on his upcoming match against Van Gerwen. This confrontation illustrates the competitive spirit and the psychological games often played in sports, particularly in darts, underlined by the significance of public perception. Van Gerwen's series of critical comments during the press conference showed his determination to be seen as the dominant figure in the sport as he aims for his fourth world title. The tournament has seen high-level performances despite the pressure, with Van Gerwen's ability to regain focus even in a challenging match highlighting his experience. With the semi-finals now set, all eyes will be on how the dynamics between players and their rivalries continue to shape the narratives of the championship as they compete for the coveted title.