Belgian analyst reacts savagely to 'arrogant Van Gerwen': ''This is so disrespectful''

Michael van Gerwen was too strong for Mensur Suljovic 4-2 in sets on Wednesday night after a thrilling match. A much-discussed moment from the match, however, was the last leg of the fifth set.

Van Gerwen could have finished the game in the fifth set, but he decided to set up from 121. A mistake as it turned out, as Suljovic threw a fantastic 161 finish to keep himself in the match and reduce the deficit to 3-2.

Van Gerwen's action received varying comments on social media. Many people understood 'Mighty Mike's' choice, but there was also criticism. For example, Belgian analyst and former star Erik Clarys judged Van Gerwen's choice particularly harshly.

''This is so disrespectful. This is like saying to your opponent: 'do it, you can't do it anyway.' When such a great player does something like this, it should be punished every time,'" Clarys said.

Van Gerwen himself, however, shrugged his shoulders about his poorly turned out choice. ''Tomorrow I would just do it again. It was just 'bad luck'. 161 is rarely finished. Oh well, the important thing is that I am in the next round.''