After defeating Mensur Suljovic 4-2 in an instant classic at the PDC World Darts Championship, Michael van Gerwen revealed his relief at securing victory having earlier passed on a shot at the bull for the match only to see the Austrian check out a stunning 161.
"I had to play really well," van Gerwen said in his post-match interview with Sky Sports on the Ally Pally stage. "I haven't seen Mensur play this well in a long time. I didn't expect this but it on the other hand it makes it a good game," revealed a relieved van Gerwen.
Averaging over 107 and firing 12 maximums, van Gerwen was at the top of his game and could have secured a much more comfortable looking 4-1 win had he gone for the bullseye off of a 121 out for the match. Instead, the Dutchman opted to lay up and threw his third dart into the big 18. Goading Suljovic, telling the Austrian there was no way he would save the match by taking out 161.
As van Gerwen himself mentioned however this was a resurgent Suljovic, showing the kind of form that saw him become a major winner and reach the World Matchplay final at the peak of his powers. He cleaned up the 161 in spectacular style.
"I felt horrible," van Gerwen admitted. "But if I had another shot tomorrow, I'd do exactly the same. Percentage-wise, with him on a 161 finish... it was a bit of bad luck. I won the game, I think that is the most important thing."
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