Willie O'Connor labels Michael van Gerwen 'one of the players best ever' ahead of Dutch Darts Championship clash

WILLIE O'CONNOR reckons he's got a free shot in his showdown with Michael van Gerwen.

The Irishman booked his passage into Saturday at the Dutch Darts Masters with a strong success over Richard Veenstra.

O'Connor looked relaxed throughout the match and was always in control as he swept into the next stage to set up a meeting with the home icon.

Crowds were raucous on Friday and the atmosphere will crank up again when the Netherlands' big guns such as MVG and Gian van Veen hit the stage.

O'Connor is excited for the clash against the three-times World Champion with a feeling there's little to lose as he said: "Listen, tomorrow is a free roll for me. Michael van Gerwen is one of the best players ever in the history of darts.

"Me being here, I am already qualified now for the European Championship Finals. Tomorrow I just want to play my best darts and give everyone a good game.

"I know Michael is going to play very well, so I am going to have to produce my best."

O'Connor was commanding for the majority of the match against Veenstra and added: "It was really good. Richard missed a couple of opportunities and probably could have capitalised, but I was lucky and got the win in the end."

Image: Jenny Segers/PDC Europe