Three-time winner Michael van Gerwen and two-time runner-up Michael Smith are favorites to reach Tuesday’s final at Alexandra Palace Watch the 2023 PDC World Darts Championship semi-finals – live on Sky Sports Darts – later on Monday 2 January
By Raz Mirza at Alexandra Palace
Last Updated: 02/01/23 8:26 AM
Michael van Gerwen and Michael Smith are favorites to progress to Tuesday’s World Darts Championship final
Michael van Gerwen and Michael Smith may be on a collision course to meet in the World Darts Championship final, but Dimitri Van den Bergh and Gabriel Clemens stand in their way.
Three-time world champion Van Gerwen stormed into the semifinals with a straight-sets victory over Chris Dobey in a rapid-fire battle that lasted just over 33 minutes of play, averaging 102, landing five 180s and dropping just three legs en route to a crushing 5- 0.
Belgian No.1 Van den Berg advanced to the semi-finals for the first time in his career with a 5-3 winner in an endurance test against Jonny Clayton.
Please use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Van Gerwen says he is looking forward to challenging Dimitri Van den Berg in the semi-finals
Monday 2 January – Semi-Finals (1930 GMT)
| Gabriel Clemens | vs | Michael Smith |
| Dimitri Van den Berg | vs | Michael van Gerwen |
Van Gerwen will continue his quest for a fourth world title against Van den Berg, who is aiming to become the first Belgian player to lift the coveted Sid Waddell trophy.
“If Michael van Gerwen comes on, he will win the game, but you have to make sure your preparation is right, your focus is good,” said the Dutchman.
“You have to believe in your own capabilities and your own abilities and that’s what I do.
“I’ve learned from my losses over the last few years and come back stronger. I feel comfortable, my belief is back and I’m looking forward to the semi-finals.”
Please use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Wayne Mardle says MVG are full of confidence after thrashing Chris Dobbie 5-0 in the quarter-finals
Van den Bergh says he is ready to take his chance but faces a tough task against an opponent he recently faced at the World Matchplay, losing 17-14 in the semi-finals.
“I’m really happy to have reached the semi-finals. It’s special to sneak in. They always say third time [to reach the semi-finals] it’s the right time and today it happened,” said the dancing Van den Bergh.
“I’m always dreaming. They call me the Dream Maker – I’m not afraid. I haven’t been at my best yet, but I feel like I’m getting stronger. My finishing touch has to be on point, but my game, my focus, my belief in reality.”
Please use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Van den Berg beats Johnny Clayton to become first Belgian to reach World Cup semi-finals
He continued: “I know I can step up and hit the leg with 12 arrows or less and I really want to make history by hitting two nine arrows at the world championships.
“If Dimitri steps up the way he can, then everyone should be afraid of me. I’m working hard, training hard and I’m only two games away from making my dreams come true. I really hope it continues the way it’s going – my way!
“I know there are a few more levels, but the most important thing is that I don’t want to finish in the next round.
“I had the semi-finals of the Matchplay and the quarter-finals of the World Grand Prix, so I’m slowly improving. But I didn’t even qualify for the Grand Slam of Darts and a few months later I’m in the semi-finals of the worlds. There are positives and I like to focus on the positives.”
Please use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Gabriel Clemens was delighted to become the first German player to reach the semi-finals
German seed Gabriel Clemens takes on fourth seed Michael Smith in the first semi-final of the evening at Alexandra Palace.
Grand Slam champion Smith came close to winning his third world championship final in five years with a heavy 5-3 defeat of Stephen Bunting, while Clemens continued his history-making run with a sensational 5-1 demolition of the world No.1 Gerwyn Price.
The 39-year-old, who was supported by a 600-strong contingent from Germany, said: “I played a really good game and I have no words for it but I’m really happy. I think what is happening is good for darts in Germany.
“Michael Smith is a Grand Slam champion and he is one of the favorites in the tournament and one of the best players in the world. I have my chances and I will have a good game. I think I can beat everyone here.”
Please use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Michael Smith says he was lucky to win his quarter-final against Stephen Bunting but can’t afford to play so poorly in the semis
Smith said: “I think this whole tournament I’ve been ugly and I’ve won ugly, apart from Joe Cullen, but I’m in the semi-finals and I’m still playing for the world championship.
“I’m in my third Worlds semi-final. I haven’t won yet, but I made it to the finals the first two.
“It’s a business and knowing how I’ve played over the last 12 months, I could lift the title. But I also have to do it when I have to do it.”
Watch the PDC World Darts Championship 2023 – live on Sky Sports Darts – until the final on January 3.
