The simmering rivalry between darts giants Michael van Gerwen and Peter Wright has exploded into a fresh war of words, with the Dutchman delivering a brutal assessment of his Scottish opponent's form.
War of Words Escalates Ahead of Potential Showdown
Three-time world champion Michael van Gerwen has launched a scathing retort after Peter Wright suggested his "vision is probably going." The barbed exchange sets the stage for a potential high-stakes third-round meeting at the ongoing PDC World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace.
Van Gerwen, the No.3 seed, secured his place in the second round with a hard-fought 3-1 comeback victory against Japan's Mitsuhiko Tatsunami on Thursday. Wright, meanwhile, progressed comfortably with a 3-0 win over Noa-Lynn van Leuven and now faces Arno Merk. If both win their next matches, the long-time adversaries will clash at Ally Pally.
Van Gerwen's Savage Riposte
Responding to Wright's comments about his eyesight, Van Gerwen did not hold back. "I hope he has a big mouth like he’s had for past two weeks. I keep smashing him in exhibitions," the Dutchman stated, according to Sportsboom. He confidently added, "If you look at my new dates here and there, I don't think there’s anything wrong with my eyes. I keep getting compliments."
Van Gerwen then delivered his most cutting remark, dismissing Wright's recent trophy drought: "He has made so many comments over the last so many years to speak the name of Peter Wright is a waste of my breath. He can’t even win a raffle these days anymore."
Battle on the Oche and Personal Challenges
Van Gerwen's first-round match was far from straightforward. Tatsunami took the opening set and broke early in the second, putting the favourite under significant pressure. "That was really difficult. I don't know what happened. I started off really c**p," Van Gerwen admitted to Sky Sports after his 3-1 triumph. "I kept battling my own battle. I shouldn't put myself in that position. I'm bigger than that. But that's darts."
The 2025 season has presented challenges for Van Gerwen both on and off the stage. Following his runner-up finish to Luke Littler last year, he has also navigated a personal separation from his wife, Daphne. In October, he emphasised to DartsWorld that his primary focus is his children, stating, "Obviously, the news about myself and their mother affects them enormously, and it’s vital we both continue to provide love and attention no matter what."
All eyes will now be on the tournament draw to see if this fiery exchange culminates in a blockbuster head-to-head on the sport's biggest stage.
