The Netherlands booked a place in the World Cup of Darts quarterfinals on Saturday, but Michael van Gerwen and Gian van Veen were far from satisfied with their performance despite an 8-5 win over Sweden in the last 16.
Van Gerwen praised the opening phase, saying, “I think we started really well. After three legs we’re averaging between 105 and 110, that’s how it felt.” However, he admitted the Dutch pair made life unnecessarily difficult as Sweden grew in confidence, helped by Jeffrey de Graaf and Oscar Lukasiak. “After that we also do a few things you really don’t expect. There are a couple of players out there dropping off a bit, which gives them confidence too,” Van Gerwen noted. A crucial moment came when Lukasiak hit a 155 checkout, but Van Gerwen added, “In the end you still win the match and I think that’s the most important thing.”
Van Veen, who led off for the Netherlands last year but threw second this time, struggled to adapt. “I started very well, scoring I started well. But to be honest I also had to get used to throwing second. Last year I of course threw first in every match here. Today the rhythm was just a bit different,” he said. He also cited a missed opportunity on doubles before Lukasiak’s 155 checkout as a turning point. “Then you just know it’s going to be tough today. You keep searching a bit.”
Despite the difficulties, Van Veen felt supported by his experienced teammate. “But in the end Michael does help you through it. This is a new experience for me as well. Even though I played here last year, it’s always a new experience. I’ll take this with me and tomorrow it will definitely be better.” Van Gerwen admitted he noticed Van Veen’s struggles but also pointed out his own dissatisfaction. “Yes, but at a certain point I also wasn’t a hundred percent in the match. Those are things you have to evaluate after the match.”
Van Gerwen stressed the high standards within the team. “You expect a lot from each other, because you always know what you’re capable of. And if it doesn’t quite come off, you could kick yourself. He has that of course, but so do I.” Looking ahead, he added, “Of course I pick up my trebles here and there, but we can both do much better than this. That’s something for both of us to show tomorrow.”
