"Same if it was Littler, Taylor, Durrant, Anderson": Michael van Gerwen won't overlook anyone with same preparation for all tests

Michael van Gerwen was superb as he produced a comeback win to down Andrew Gilding 16-10 and reach the semi-finals of the World Matchplay with Michael Smith awaiting.

Van Gerwen spoke afterwards and the message was very much that he wouldn't underestimate any player in his path towards World Matchplay glory especially in the case of his Quarter-Final facing Gilding who is perceived as unattractive as a darting proposition.

"Overall I think I did alright. I think my scoring power especially at the end of the game was superb but we all know the three darts at doubles was really poorly. Then you make it for yourself quite difficult but more important is I won.

"If you're too frustrated you can't perform like I did afterwards. I think my scoring power was dominating him, I probably could've won the last 15 legs because I think I was by far the better player but you still need to hit your doubles at the right moments. I made it myself a bit difficult but I won and that's the only thing that matters," said Van Gerwen.

"When I did play well I played well. Whenever there are tough times around the corner, you need to make sure you produce and that's exactly what I did so whatever people say or think I'm capable of doing anything at this moment. I feel good I feel comfortable. I have the belief I can win this tournament."

But quipped about whether he can now prepare different knowing he's playing a quicker player no matter what he questioned the perception of Cross for instance vs Gilding as a slow player and that he wouldn't change it even if he played Durrant down to Littler.

"My preparation is exactly the same if it was Luke Littler, Phil Taylor, Glen Durrant, Gary Anderson whoever it is, you need to prepare 100% otherwise you're failing yourself. You always need to take everyone serious. You need to look game by game."