Three-time world champion Michael van Gerwen has issued a blunt verdict on the tournament favourites, declaring he is not concerned by the dominant form of Luke Littler or Luke Humphries at the World Darts Championship.
Focus on the Self, Not the 'Two Lukes'
The Dutch superstar, who faces German debutant Arno Merk in the third round at Alexandra Palace on Sunday, refused to be drawn on potential semi-final or final clashes with the world's top two players. Van Gerwen stated plainly that his only priority is his own performance, having navigated past William O'Connor and Tatsunami Mitsuhiko in the earlier rounds.
"I don't care about Luke and Luke at this moment," Van Gerwen said. "I just need to concentrate myself on my own performance. I can't meet them until the semi-finals and final anyway." This comes despite the remarkable record of Littler and Humphries, who have featured in 15 of the last 16 televised ranking finals between them.
A Brutal Assessment of Peter Wright
Van Gerwen's path to the latter stages was altered by Merk's stunning 3-0 second-round victory over Peter Wright. The German, ranked 163rd in the world, capitalised on a poor display from 'Snakebite', prompting a characteristically frank reaction from 'Mighty Mike'.
"I'm not really surprised by his performance because he's been playing c*** lately," Van Gerwen stated. "I think it's time for him to retire anyway." However, ahead of his own match with the giant-killer, the Dutchman offered a more measured analysis of his next opponent's abilities.
"The biggest plus for me is the format rises to first of four sets," he noted. "I think he [Merk] did really well in his game against Peter Wright. He was sharp, he was there when he had to be, so I need to make sure I concentrate on my own performance."
Confidence Amidst a Testing Year
Van Gerwen has endured a difficult 2025, failing to win a single title and seeing his ranking plummet to No.30 following a break from the sport after the breakdown of his marriage. Despite this, the former world number one expressed belief that his current form could carry him to a fourth world title at Ally Pally.
"My form now could be good enough to go all the way but I know I'm capable of doing more," he admitted. "In some games you can play a little bit more poor and in some games you need to do a little bit more. But I know exactly when the time is there when you have to do more."
Van Gerwen must first overcome Merk, and potentially the dangerous Gary Anderson in the fourth round, before any dream showdown with Littler or Humphries can materialise. For now, his message is clear: all attention is on his own game as he seeks a dramatic return to the pinnacle of the sport.
