Michael van Gerwen vindicated as he crushes Stephen Bunting’s hopes and advances to PDC World Championship quarter-finals

2 minutes read

Michael van Gerwen has backed up his bold pre-match comments about Stephen Bunting with a 4-0 whitewash of the Bullet.

The 34-year-old steamrolled into the PDC World Championship quarter-final with a crushing victory over fan favourite Bunting, who was in terrific form going into the eagerly-anticipated clash.

Van Gerwen has strolled into the next round with an incredible victoryCredit: Getty

Before MVG knew who he was facing between Florian Hempl and Bunting, he revealed he wanted the Brit.

He said: “Give me Bunting! I’ve got him, I’ve got him.

“He’s a fantastic player, but I want to play people who are in good form, if you want to win this tournament, you have got to beat everyone.”

And Van Gerwen stuck to his guns, thrashing Bunting 4-0 and making a real statement that he could go all the way this year.

In fact, no one has been able to get close to the Green Machine at Alexandra Palace so far.

For the first time in his career, the Dutchman has reached the World Championship quarter-finals without dropping a set.

He has won all 11 sets he has played so far – winning 33 out of 45 legs.

After the match, Van Gerwen said: “We all knew Stephen Bunting was playing phenomenal darts. You have to show your best game.

Van Gerwen is one of the favourites to go all the way this yearCredit: Getty

Bunting had been in red-hot form before his 4-0 thrashingCredit: Getty

“I don’t think I showed my best game but in patches I did right things in the right moments.

“I am pleased with my game. We have still got a long time to go but I am feeling good.

“Of course, I miss my kids, I miss my wife, but it is part of the game.

“Now I have to concentrate on 1st January and nothing can be in my way.”

Van Gerwen will now face either Scott Williams or Damon Heta in the quarter-final as he looks to win his first world title (his fourth overall) since 2019.

Listen to live coverage of the PDC World Darts Championship on talkSPORT 2

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