MVG SETS UP NUTCRACKER
Van Gerwen routs Ando to tee up title treble
It means a lot to be in the Final. I’m working my nuts off MICHAEL VAN GERWEN
MICHAEL VAN GERWEN insists he’s “worked his nuts off” to get into position for a world title hat-trick.
The Dutch destroyer will face Michael Smith in the World Championship Final at the Alexandra Palace tomorrow after hammering Gary Anderson 6-1 in his semi-final.
Van Gerwen was majestic last night as he punished an off-form Scotsman to canter into the New Year’s Day showpiece.
The world No.1 raced into a 5-0 lead and although Anderson managed to get a set on the board, it only delayed the inevitable as his rival put the issue to bed in the seventh set.
Van Gerwen said: “I played really well, especially early doors. Gary couldn’t find his form in the beginning and I took advantage of that.
“You want to do these type of things against Gary and I put pressure on him. I didn’t give him any time to breathe in the game.
“He missed a few doubles later in the match but at 5-0 up I was pretty comfortable.
“It means a lot to me to be in the Final. I’m working my nuts off week after week for it.
“Some people have opinions about me and always talk but I do a lot to get to this stage.
“My work is not done, I need to go a step further. But I have a phenomenal record against Michael so we’ll see what happens.”
Smith is one step from fulfilling his lifetime dream after soaring into the showpiece. The 28-year-old – dubbed Bully Boy – will take his spot after dumping debutant Nathan Aspinall.
Smith broke the record for maximums in a last-four match with 17 in a searing show to reach the Final for the first time.
The St Helens thrower ran out a 6-3 winner and said: “I’ve never felt like that on the stage and I’m so happy to be in the Final.
“The first two sets I was cruising then he started to come back so I had to do something.
“Nathan got better and better but I just took my chances.
“I knew after the seventh set if I could break him straight away I could do it and this gives me great belief.
“Every game I’ve played I have been favourite and it felt as though I was going to give birth to an ostrich egg up on the stage because I was so nervous.
“But I’m glad I held it all together and got the job done. It sounds so good to be in the Final – I’m one step from living my dream.”
Aspinall, who did himself proud in the biggest game of his life with an average of more than a ton, collected £100,000 for making the last four less than a year after earning a card to join the full PDC Tour.
The 27-year-old said: “I have enjoyed every single bit of it because I never thought I’d get to the semi-finals.
“When I got my card the aim was just to qualify for these Championships never mind get this far.”