Michael van Gerwen holds off surprise package Callan Rydz to reach Ally Pally semi-final in World Darts Championship – as three-time champion sets up tie with Chris Dobey

Three-time world champion Michael van Gerwen overcame the pluckiness of this year’s 300-1 surprise package Callan Rydz to reach the semi-finals at Alexandra Palace.

Van Gerwen’s 5-3 victory over Rydz means he will face yet another thrower from the tiny Northumberland town of Bedlington in Chris Dobey, the Geordie who likewise won 5-3 over 2021 champ Gerwyn Price earlier in the day.

‘MvG’ triumphed at Ally Pally in 2014, 2017 and 2019, with the Dutchman, once tipped to threaten Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor’s tally of 16 world titles, overdue this crown.

He was made to work for the win by Rydz, who racked up 17 maximums to his opponent’s 14 and averaged 103.88 over his 103.10.

‘He gave me everything, he didn’t stop,’ Van Gerwen said. ‘It had drama, 180s, it was a good game. I’m so glad with my own performance. I need to make sure I maintain this form. He had a fantastic tournament but I’m glad I was there to stop him.’

You would do well to find a sporting event that attracts as many casual fans as the World Darts Championship, Ally Pally attendees generally here for a good time.

He overcame surprise package Callan Rydz, who hit more maximums and averaged higher

Mvg will take on another man from Newcastle – Chris Dobey – in Thursday’s semi-finals

Sky Sports love popping into the main hall to perform a few vox pops. Before Van Gerwen’s game, one bloke in a ’70s disco get-up guessed he would win 4-3, not realising it was first to five sets. Another woman, dressed as Princess Fiona from Shrek, answered ‘what he said’ after her other half’s prediction of 5-4 to ‘MvG’.

It did indeed turn into a close contest. After Van Gerwen took the opening set, Rydz rallied. The 26-year-old secured back-to-back 12 darters, including a 135 checkout with a bull finish, and levelled up the match for 1-1 via a second-set whitewash.

At 2-2, the Ally Pally faithful were having fun singing their newest chant for Rydz: ‘He’s got s*** hair but we don’t care.’ Another punter had ‘hair to the throne’ written on their 180 card.

But the relentless Van Gerwen stormed ahead into 4-2 lead. Rydz answered back with double double tops to bring it back to 4-3. But ultimately, this epic went the way of MvG, who found his favourite double 16 to reach the semi-finals where he will face Dobey.