MVG: DAYS OF BEING “ASHAMED” ARE OVER
11/11/2023 By Phil Lanning
MICHAEL van Gerwen vowed the days of being “ashamed” to lose to a women are gone.
The three-time World Champ beat Fallon Sherrock 5-1 in his Grand Slam opener in Wolverhampton.
But it certainly wasn’t one-way traffic as Sherrock hit three mid-match 180s to keep the MVG under pressure. But she never looked likely to trouble the Dutch ace.
Van Gerwen admitted: “I think I played a really good game under a good amount of pressure.
“From 2-0 down I think she played a phenomenal game and I needed to do something special and I was glad I was able to. It was tough, it was hard.
“Years and years ago it was weird when a man lost to a woman they felt ashamed. Those days are gone, women can play good darts.
“It’s far too long since I have won here, six years. I am on a mission.”
Peter Wright was left stunned after being thrashed by the man dubbed the “American Snakebite” on his debut in the UK.
The two-time World Champ was smashed 5-1 by Stowe Buntz, named after Wrighty for his wacky stage kit.
Buntz, who wore pink trousers, said: “It was a special moment doing the walk-on with Peter. He’s someone I’ve looked up to.
“This is my first time I’ve come across the pond to be in the UK. When I went 3-0 up I just wanted to stay straight.”
World Champion Michael Smith cruised to a 5-2 win over young Scot Nathan Girvan.
The fans in Wolves chanted “Scotland get battered everywhere they go” throughout the final match of the night.
Images by Taylor Lanning.
