Michael van Gerwen has called for Peter Wright to hang up his darts following the Scotsman’s humiliating World Championship exit at Alexandra Palace.
Wright crashed out 3-0 to German newcomer Arno Merk, managing a dismal average of just 79 in what proved a thoroughly one-sided contest.
When asked whether the manner of Wright’s departure surprised him, the Dutchman offered a characteristically blunt response.
“You want me to answer this? I can answer this really easily,” Van Gerwen said after his own match. “Yeah, I’m not really surprised by his performance, because he’s been playing crap lately and I think it’s time for him to retire anyway.”
The barbed comments came after Wright had previously made remarks questioning Van Gerwen’s eyesight.
Van Gerwen’s pointed remarks followed a commanding display against William O’Connor, whom he dispatched 3-1 in convincing fashion.
The Dutchman posted an average exceeding 100 whilst finding 63 per cent of his doubles throughout the encounter.
Peter Wright crashed out of the World Darts Championship on Tuesday
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“I think I played well, and also the way I got into this game, I was sharp, I was ready today,” he explained afterwards.
“That’s what you want to show to yourself, and also to everyone else, that you’re capable of doing more.”
The three-time world champion acknowledged he had put considerable effort into his preparation and believes better is still to come.
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“I put a lot of effort into this match and I think from here on I can do some more damage,” Van Gerwen added.
The Dutchman also revealed he has incorporated the Wim Hof breathing technique into his preparation as part of a broader overhaul of his approach.
“I also played with a new system from Wim Hof, the switch system,” he explained. “I think everything went well, everything came into place.”
Van Gerwen spoke candidly about enduring a challenging 12 months both on and off the oche, during which he has shed weight and had his braces removed.
The darts star also separated from his wife, too.
“I’m feeling good,” he said. “Of course, when you feel more comfortable, that goes through into your darts as well. But it’s been a long run. Everyone knows I’ve had a really tough year, on and off the oche.”
Michael van Gerwen remains in contention to win the World Darts Championship
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Technical modifications to his darts and points have also formed part of his rebuilding process.
Van Gerwen assessed his chances of claiming a fourth world crown with typical pragmatism, suggesting his current level could carry him to glory whilst acknowledging room for improvement.
“I think it could be good enough to go all the way, but I know I’m capable of doing more,” he said.
“In some games you play a bit poorer, and in some games you need to do more. I know exactly when the time is there to do more. I’ve been here a few times before.”
His next opponent will be Merk, whom Van Gerwen praised for his clinical display against Wright.
“He was sharp, he was there when he had to be,” the Dutchman observed.
Van Gerwen will head home for Christmas before returning to London on Boxing Day ahead of his third-round clash on the 28th.
