Michael van Gerwen hits back at Peter Wright claim ‘he won’t admit’ | Other | Sport
Michael van Gerwen has hit back at Peter Wright and claimed “there is nothing wrong with my eyes” after ‘Snakebite’ said the Dutchman’s “vision is probably going.”
World No.3 Van Gerwen survived a major scare in his first round match against Japanese debutant Mitsuhiko Tatsunami at the World Darts Championship on Thursday night. Indeed, ‘The Green Machine’ came from one set down to run out with a 3-1 win and continue his 14-year streak of not losing his opening match at Alexandra Palace.
But Wright, who could also go up against Van Gerwen in the third round, said earlier this week that he believes the three-time world champion’s eyesight could be deteriorating.
“I think their [younger players’] eyesight is better than ours. I think that’s about it,” said Wright.
“Obviously Gary [Anderson] is on the glasses or contacts. I don’t know if Michael’s wearing contacts at the moment, but I think MVG’s vision is probably going – but he won’t admit it at the moment.”
When he was told about Wright’s comments, Van Gerwen said: “There’s nothing wrong with my eyes. Don’t worry. I keep getting compliments.”
Van Gerwen is set to face Republic of Ireland’s William O’Connor or Poland’s Krzysztof Kciuk in the next round, while Wright will face German qualifier Arno Merk, who shocked Kim Huybrechts to reach the second round.
Should Van Gerwen and Wright come through those matches, they will collide in a blockbuster third round tie after Christmas.
“Years ago, I used to play Michael van Gerwen at his peak, he was like the GOAT. And it was a privilege to play him in so many finals,” said Wright.
“I’d bring an extra gear or two because you’ll need it against Michael. I want to play him. He’s got to win, I’ve got to win. I’d love that for the TV crowd. I want to beat him.”
Wright and Van Gerwen have enjoyed their fare share of battles over the years. World No.30 – and two-time world champion – Wright previously called Van Gerwen “a big baby” but Van Gerwen thinks that no one will “get in his head.”
‘Mighty Mike’ said: “I hope he has a big mouth like he had in the last two weeks because I keep smashing him in exhibitions. He made so many comments over the last so many years. To speak the name of Peter Wright is a waste of my breath.”
