Michael van Gerwen blames wastefulness for World Matchplay defeat to Durrant

The world number one failed to claim the World Matchplay title for the third time on the spin after a 13-11 reverse at the hands of the BDO world champion. Van Gerwen missed a number of key doubles as Durrant, who averaged 99.33 to his 98.67, shaded a thriller.

Assessing his performance in a Sky Sports interview immediately afterwards, Mighty Mike paid homage to the victor while also pointing the blame for defeat squarely at himself.

"I started off...a little bit poorly. He took great advantage of that with his last dart at double going into the first break.

"We both didn't play very well in the beginning. But after that, we both started to play well," summarised the two-time World Matchplay champion.

"I missed a few chances. He always takes advantage, that's what he does. He's a good player, simple as that - everyone respects him in the PDC.

"But things like this; I shouldn't put myself in this position. I missed too many chances, and if I put myself in a good position, I need to finish it off.

"For some reason I wasn't able to do that. Fair play to him, but I can only blame myself for this.

Van Gerwen was, as ever, refreshingly frank about his performance. Just as he is unafraid to praise his own darts, the Dutchman can be forthright in highlighting his own failures - as he did here.

"In the middle patch of the game I had a great comeback, after that I wasn't 100 per cent again.

"You always have to play 100 per cent if you want to win the game.

"I'm gutted for this, simple as that. I'm a winner, and I don't like to lose.

"Absolutely annoyed with myself."

A major bugbear for van Gerwen is the fact that defeat robs him of the chance to claim one of the most prestigious titles on offer this year. The Grand Prix, Grand Slam, Players Championship Finals and World Championship are just some of the trophies still there to be one. Once his World Matchplay exit sinks in, van Gerwen will step up his bid to sweep up the remaining titles.

"It's one of the biggest tournaments of the year, and you always want to perform as well as you can," he said.

"I was a little bit short today, and I can only blame myself. I need to get back to the practice board and make sure I'm stronger next time."

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