Richard Veenstra shows admiration for attitude of Michael van Gerwen: ''When he comes in, everybody looks at him''

Richard Veenstra takes on Michael van Gerwen in the third round of the World Darts Championship on Wednesday night, but 'Flyers' seems to have little illusion of another shock at Alexandra Palace.

The Dutchman gave Kim Huybrechts a big beating in the second round. Thanks to an average of almost one hundred, Veenstra beat the Belgian 3-0 in sets, not even allowing Huybrechts a leg.

"If I do the same against Michael van Gerwen? Then maybe I can grab a set," Veenstra himself tempered his own expectations in conversation with AD.nl. According to the 42-year-old Dutchman, there is no doubt about who is the favourite to reach the last sixteen in London.

"A hearty game, I hope I play well, because we don't have to talk long about who the favourite is. Yes, there are always chances, but even if I play like I did against Kim, I might still lose to Van Gerwen. He can easily throw 107 average. I'm going to see, y'all."

Veenstra met his compatriot once on the PDC Tour. In March of this year they met at a Players Championship tournament. That match was won 6-2 by Van Gerwen. Then I threw 83 average, very bad. You are actually already 1-0 behind when you play against him. He has that attitude. When he enters the room, everybody looks at him. He doesn't care who he plays against. Very clever what he does," Veenstra praises Van Gerwen.