Michael van Gerwen will face Andrew Gilding for a place in the World Matchplay semi-final tomorrow in an intriguing clash.
There will be a serious contrast in styles when the two players take to the stage at Winter Gardens on Friday.
Van Gerwen has won the World Matchplay on three occasions and he is renowned for his quick style of play up on the oche.
The same can’t be said about Gilding. A Suffolk native, the meticulous player will be certain to try and knock Mighty Mike out of his rhythm during the quarter-final.
The Dutchman is a big fan of his next opponent though and after praising him he’s fired a stern warning to the veteran thrower.
What Michael van Gerwen has said about Andrew Gilding ahead of World Matchplay clash
Van Gerwen is the ultimate box office player on the PDC tour when it comes to stoking up a fire ahead of a match.
After making hard work of defeating Joe Cullen 11-8, Van Gerwen fired a big warning to Gilding – after finding time to sing his praises!
He told Sky Sports: “He’s a good player. People underestimate him and I never did that. He’s beat me in a big final once, but I’m not going to let him beat me in the next game, it’s as simple as that.”
The final that Van Gerwen is referring to is the UK Open final from 2023 when Gilding defeated him 11-10 in a brilliant match.
Now, the pair will meet again and Gilding is aiming to continue his best ever run at the World Matchplay.
Van Gerwen has the edge over Gilding
When the Dutch player is on form there are few players on the current tour who can compete with his style of play.
Van Gerwen can quickly take matches away from players and Gilding will need to do whatever he can to stick with him on Friday night.
Qualifying for this tournament means a player is playing well given that it’s contested between the top 16 in the world and the top 16 on the order of merit.
Van Gerwen holds a 7-2 record over Gilding, however – with both players winning a match apiece on the TV stage.
The match looks like an intriguing one and after these boisterous comments, Van Gerwen needs to make sure his bite is as bad as his bark!