World Darts Championship row erupts as Michael van Gerwen accuses Peter Wright of 'talking c**p'
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Michael van Gerwen has launched a scathing attack on Peter Wright at the World Darts Championship, accusing his rival of talking "c**p" at the tournament.
The Dutch star's criticism came after Wright suggested unseeded player Callan Rydz should be considered the favourite for the championship.
Van Gerwen, who will face Rydz in the quarter-finals on New Year's Day, dismissed Wright's comments during a press conference at Alexandra Palace.
"Every year at the worlds he talks so much nonsense," said the three-time world champion, who secured his place in the last eight with a 4-2 victory over Sweden's Jeffrey de Graaf.
Michael van Gerwen has launched a scathing attack on Peter Wright at the World Darts Championship, accusing his rival of talking "c**p" at the tournament
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Wright had praised Rydz's performances at the tournament, expressing admiration for the unseeded player's approach.
"I want to play like Callan Rydz," Wright said. "He's just going up there enjoying himself and playing fantastic darts."
The veteran went further in his assessment, declaring: "He should be favourite for this tournament. He's playing superb darts and long may it carry on."
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Michael van Gerwen has fired shots at Peter Wright at the World Darts Championship
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Van Gerwen enters the quarter-final clash as the highest ranked player remaining in the tournament, following the exits of defending champion Luke Humphries and second seed Michael Smith.
The Dutchman's criticism of Wright became more personal as he questioned his rival's credibility within the sport.
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"No-one takes him seriously on the tour because he's not allowed an opinion at home as well," Van Gerwen said bluntly.
Van Gerwen's remarks came in direct response to Wright's assessment of Rydz's chances in the tournament.
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Despite his criticism, Van Gerwen acknowledged Wright's strong performance in defeating defending champion Luke Humphries in the fourth round.
"I was surprised with the way how Peter Wright played. I think he played a dominant performance, really fair play to him," Van Gerwen said.
Michael van Gerwen is aiming to win the World Darts Championship this winter
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However, the Dutchman qualified his praise by suggesting Humphries had been below par throughout the tournament.
"He wasn't performing well all tournament. He couldn't find the extra gear, so anyone who was going to play well against him would have beaten him," Van Gerwen added.
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