SNAKEBITE BOTTLED IT
WORLD OF SPORT MVG insists Wright will be haunted by his finals flop at 02
MICHAEL VAN GERWEN reckons Peter Wright will be haunted by his London bottle job.
The Dutch destroyer claimed his third Betway Premier League title after Snakebite fell apart at the O2 on Thursday.
Wright had the title in his grasp. Having defeated Phil Taylor in the semis he led van Gerwen in the showpiece and moved to the brink of victory.
The Scotland World Cup star had six clear darts to win the trophy and the £250,000 winners cheque yet choked at the finishing line.
It was a devastating defeat for him and one which van Gerwen reckons his rival may take some time to recover from.
The Dutchman said: “Could it haunt him? Probably yes, but he already had it in his mind because he’s never beat me an important final. It’s a mental block but I still didn’t expect him to miss. Things like that don’t happen often but I enjoy it when it happens to me.
“Normally I win games because I dominate them. When people miss doubles it’s usually because of me.
“But this was totally different. He missed six to win. Normally no one misses six match darts and it’s the first time in my life I’ve won a game like that.
“When he gets three darts for the match you think you are gone. But he missed them and the next three are even more difficult.
“Maybe the pressure was too big on him because I played really well after the break.
“Then he missed the six darts and then what you have to do in that situation is keep calm.
“Doubles are part of the game, that’s what I always say. Maybe the past meant a lot because he’s never beaten me in a really vital game. This was one of those key moments where I could use that mental advantage.
“Peter is a fantastic player and he’s one of the big boys now but I’ve got the trophies.
“In the last few weeks I’ve played okay but I can play better. Maybe I’m too busy as I was a bit flat.
“But for some reason in the important moments during games opponents still fear me – and I want to keep it that way.
“I’ve worked hard to create that feeling and I’ll work hard again to keep it. I never think about others. I just look at myself to win tournaments so I’m really glad he missed those doubles.”
Van Gerwen insists he’ll fight to keep his feet on the throats of opponents having dismissed another Scot, Gary Anderson, in the semis.
The arrival of a new baby won’t alter his focus either as he added: “I’ll only miss small tournaments. I got into this position by playing a lot of darts and focusing on the tournaments.
“I have a mortgage to pay and an expensive lifestyle so I need to make sure I play well.
“When the baby comes I’ll be off for a month but I will have to go back to work after that. The £250,000 prize here pays quarter of the mortgage.
“I need to unpack all my trophies. I have 30 boxes full and need to get cabinets but I haven’t bought them yet. I have a trophy room I can practice in – it’s my office but I can’t pay a mortgage with trophies.
“When you win the trophy the cheque comes with it. The glory is first but the rest comes with it and the money.”