09/06/2019

Van Gerwen self-critical after defeat without consequences: 'My attitude was wrong'

Michael van Gerwen and Jermaine Wattimena avoided a shock exit to Canada in the Quarter-Finals of the World Cup of Darts this afternoon but are through to the semi-finals in the defence of their title.

Van Gerwen spoke afterwards and credited Jermaine for taking advantage of Jim Long's nervousness to defeat him and almost save their skin. According to MVG though, he thought the game was going to be easier than it was and that's why he fell short to Dawson Murschell.
He added that now they've made the mistakes, they won't do it again as they face Ireland later on in the second semi-final in Hamburg.
''Avoiding a scare? I think 'a scare' is a big word. I had Jermaine on my side and he was playing Jim Long. He was a bit nervous and Jermaine took great advantage of that," said Van Gerwen.
''Of course I missed too many doubles and I think my attitude [going] into that game was wrong. I thought I was going to do this, but if you think like that you are going to make mistakes. That's what I did, but I'm glad Jermaine was able to cover me up. We still won the game and that's the most important thing.''
''However you win the game, it doesn't matter. We need to prepare for Ireland later on, but I know we are strong as a team. The mistakes are already made, we are not doing that twice'', Van Gerwen promised.