Van Gerwen Criticizes Unterbuchner for Subpar Performance at European Darts Grand Prix
Following a commanding 6-2 victory at the European Darts Grand Prix, Michael van Gerwen expressed disappointment in his opponent Michael Unterbuchner, labeling his performance as ‘not good enough.’ Van Gerwen swiftly advanced to the round-of-16 after convincingly defeating Unterbuchner, who had made a light-hearted comment about facing Van Gerwen the day before.
Unterbuchner, who had surprised many with a win over William O’Connor in the first round, joked, “Michael van Gerwen? Who’s that? No, no, just kidding. I’m looking forward to it.”
However, van Gerwen took offense to Unterbuchner’s remarks and stated after defeating the German, “He didn’t make a joke. He is one of those individuals who attempt to be humorous. He’s never defeated me before, and he never will. He lacks the skill – even my lower-level games are enough to overcome him. Nevertheless, on to the next challenge.”
Van Gerwen backed up his words with a strong performance during the match, showcasing an average of 91 and executing an impressive 102 checkout. His next opponent in the last-16 round will be fellow Dutch player Jermaine Wattimena, who emerged victorious in an all-Dutch clash against Kevin Doets.
Reflecting on his upcoming match, van Gerwen commented, “Who cares? I clinched the decisive leg, and that is what matters the most. The audience is having a good time – that is the primary focus. It has been a while since my last victory here, so hopefully, I can put up a strong performance tomorrow.”
Van Gerwen last claimed the European Tour event title in 2018 and acknowledged the challenge Wattimena poses. “I have a solid track record. I have known Jermaine for a long time, since our days as youth players,” he mentioned. “Historically, I have had the upper hand, but he is currently displaying solid darts. Therefore, I need to ensure I bring my A-game tomorrow.”
In another surprising turn of events, Niko Springer from Germany defeated defending champion Gary Anderson with a remarkable 6-3 win. Springer expressed his joy after the match, stating, “It feels incredibly satisfying. I have a strong support system here, whether it’s family or friends – being close to home. The backing I received today was invaluable, and I am genuinely thrilled.”
Additionally, Sky has enhanced its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+, and Hayu, along with 135 channels and comprehensive coverage of the Premier League and EFL. Sky offers over 1,400 live matches across various sports, including the Premier League, EFL, Formula 1, darts, and golf.
