Michael van Gerwen has slammed Michael Smiths mental fortitude ahead of their US Darts Masters quarter-final on Friday night.
The pair meet in the last eight in Las Vegas, in what will be their fourth contest of 2019, with MVG winning the previous three, including the big one – the World Championship final in January.
Mighty Mike has a fabulous record against Smith, leading their head-to-head 28-6 and while he recognises the immense skill of the St Helens star, the Dutchman believes his problems are upstairs.
With all due respect, Michaels talent is phenomenal, but in the mental aspect he is weak, we all know that, Van Gerwen told Live Darts.
In darts you need to have a clear mind and sometimes for him its not the case, he thinks about his game too much or other things outside darts. You need to have your focus.
Since Van Gerwen beat Bully Boy in the final at the Alexandra Palace, the form of the two men has been wildly contrasting, with MVG cementing his place at the top of the world rankings, while Smith has struggled.
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The 28-year-old has reached two ProTour finals in 2019 but is yet to win a tournament of any kind, he had a largely forgettable Premier League campaign and a semi-final run at the UK Open has probably been the highlight of the season so far.
In comparison, MVG has won nine titles in 2019, including the World Championship, most recently lifting the Premier League trophy for a fifth time in May.
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Smith is frustrated with his struggles, but is still confident he can turn things around when he meets the Dutchman in Vegas.
Its the stress going with it, Smith continued to Live Darts. I know its there and Im trying to force it to happen instead of just relaxing.
Im trying to change my stance when I had a problem with my foot it was nice to stand up straight, now I can lead forward again it feels different because Ive had four weeks of practicing differently. But its just excuses.
Ive just got to get on with the game. If I lose a game Im not dead am I? Theres another day to live for, another day to practice, another day to see my kids and my missus.
Form means nothing. It only happens on the day you play. If I turn up Ill win, if I really turn up Ill smash him.
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If I turn up like I have beRead More – Source
Michael van Gerwen has slammed Michael Smiths mental fortitude ahead of their US Darts Masters quarter-final on Friday night.
The pair meet in the last eight in Las Vegas, in what will be their fourth contest of 2019, with MVG winning the previous three, including the big one – the World Championship final in January.
Mighty Mike has a fabulous record against Smith, leading their head-to-head 28-6 and while he recognises the immense skill of the St Helens star, the Dutchman believes his problems are upstairs.
With all due respect, Michaels talent is phenomenal, but in the mental aspect he is weak, we all know that, Van Gerwen told Live Darts.
In darts you need to have a clear mind and sometimes for him its not the case, he thinks about his game too much or other things outside darts. You need to have your focus.
Since Van Gerwen beat Bully Boy in the final at the Alexandra Palace, the form of the two men has been wildly contrasting, with MVG cementing his place at the top of the world rankings, while Smith has struggled.
Advertisement
Advertisement
The 28-year-old has reached two ProTour finals in 2019 but is yet to win a tournament of any kind, he had a largely forgettable Premier League campaign and a semi-final run at the UK Open has probably been the highlight of the season so far.
In comparison, MVG has won nine titles in 2019, including the World Championship, most recently lifting the Premier League trophy for a fifth time in May.
More: Darts
Smith is frustrated with his struggles, but is still confident he can turn things around when he meets the Dutchman in Vegas.
Its the stress going with it, Smith continued to Live Darts. I know its there and Im trying to force it to happen instead of just relaxing.
Im trying to change my stance when I had a problem with my foot it was nice to stand up straight, now I can lead forward again it feels different because Ive had four weeks of practicing differently. But its just excuses.
Ive just got to get on with the game. If I lose a game Im not dead am I? Theres another day to live for, another day to practice, another day to see my kids and my missus.
Form means nothing. It only happens on the day you play. If I turn up Ill win, if I really turn up Ill smash him.
Advertisement
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If I turn up like I have beRead More – Source
