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MMV171G7SwSuuabbhrhneesaadtdhlclec Pink Princess: Yliolgiguhhtadtdrgegddgngdodgtgdadggrge--al winner yet
CLOG almighty Michael van Gerwen has delivered the first serving of ‘bah, humbug’ to history girl Fallon Sherrock’s Christmas miracle.
Jingle belle Sherrock’s stunning wins against Ted Evetts and world No.11 Mensur Suljovic at Alexandra Palace have turned a hairdresser from Bletchley into an international celebrity.
Three-time champion Van Gerwen says he is not surprised by the Pink Princess becoming the first woman to beat male opponents at the PDC World Championship.
But although he respects what she has done, MVG warned: “She has not won anything yet.”
The Dutchman, who is odds-on favourite to wear the crown for a fourth time on New Year’s Day, said the battle of the sexes could only be won by tangible success, not just a festive fairytale.
Sherrock, 25, has slashed her odds of lifting the Sid Waddell Trophy from 2,000-1 rank outsider before the tournament to as little been getting, but whatever Fallon does, whatever Gerwyn Price does, it’s not in my hands.
“I don’t need to slip under the radar. I’m the world champion and I like to stand up for myself. This is a game where you have to play only for yourself.”
Worryingly for his rivals, the Dutchman has reached the last 16 at Ally Pally without firing on all cylinders.
His 4-0 win in just 30 minutes against ‘Rapid’ Ricky Evans on Sunday night had the air of two men with a plane to catch.
Van Gerwen said: “I could have done a bit better but 4-0 is not too bad.”
Next up is former Lakeside champion Stephen ‘The Bullet’ Bunting, who has lost his last six meetings with the formidable Dutchman in their major TV clashes.
Van Gerwen grinned: “I’m going to make it seven. He may be playing better than he has for a while but I’m still going to beat him.”
So much for a new name on the trophy, whether it’s a woman or the ‘Bullet’.
Bah, humbug.
Age
PDC world titles Tournament average Highest match average
(v Ted Evetts, Dec 17) (v Ricky Evans, Dec 12) Tournament 180s Checkout rate
FIT JOFRA A SILVER LINING
ENGLAND coach Chris Silverwood says a recovering Jofra Archer could be back in contention for the Boxing
Day Test against South Africa.
The tourists have seen as 100-1 among nervous bookies.
But Van Gerwen is not shouting her odds from the rooftops yet, saying: “She is doing quite well.
“With her averages and double checkout percentages she is changing women’s darts.
“But she hasn’t won anything yet, and if you are going to play in a tournament with the men you are going to be treated like the men.
“Everyone makes a big deal of it but I’ve known all along what
vshe is capable of, so for me it’s not a big thing.”
Chivalry may not be dead but Van Gerwen is not ready to roll out the pink carpet just yet.
He added: “I’m not interested about giving her advice – I’m here for myself, to win the world championship, and whatever she does I don’t really care.
“It’s great for her and the sport because of all the attention darts has at Centurion yesterday as Silverwood cast his eye over proceedings.
Spinner Leach is an outside bet to play, with England favouring a seam-heavy attack, while paceman Broad looks certain to feature.