REIGNING CHAMPION MICHAEL van Gerwen will be favourite to retain his title in the World Grand Prix final in Dublin this evening.
The 26-year-old Dutchman, who is aiming to win the tournament for a third time, defeated Mark Webster 4-1 in last night’s semi-final at the Citywest Hotel to line up a meeting with Scotland’s Robert Thornton.
“It’s amazing for me and a fantastic feeling,” said van Gerwen. ”My scoring power tonight was phenomenal and I hope I can keep that going for the final.
“Mark had a couple of good finishes and made if difficult, and my starting wasn’t great at times but I did the right things at the right times, and when he got the second set I found an extra gear,” said Van Gerwen.
“It’s such a hard tournament to win but I know what it’s like to win here and I’m really pleased that I’m in the final. I’ve never lost a final here yet so I have to turn up and make sure I don’t make any mistakes.
Robert’s a fantastic player. He’s a fighter and he never gives up so it’s going to be a hard battle. I hope I can give him a really difficult game and win this for a third time.
“This is the tournament where it all started, the first big major in the PDC, so it’s always got something special for me.”
Number seven seed Thorton had been 2-1 down to Mensur Suljovic but came back and threw a 14-darter to claim a 4-2 victory in the last four.
“It’s fantastic and I’m over the moon,” said Thornton. “It was a great battle and that’s the type of match I love – I’m a street fighter and I’m delighted.
“Mensur’s beaten me in the last few games we’ve played and he never gave up, but neither did I and eventually I got a chance and capitalised. It was one of those matches you want to keep going all night – but I’m glad it didn’t!
“I’m going up there for the final to enjoy myself and I love this format, where you have to start and finish with a double. Some players don’t like it but it’s my favourite, it brings the best out in me and I want to go all the way now.”
