Sporting Life
Scott Williams dumped out Michael van Gerwen
Scott Williams dumped out Michael van Gerwen

World Darts results: Scott Williams beats Michael van Gerwen to reach semi-finals

By Sporting Life
Darts
Mon January 01, 2024 · 1y ago

On the day of one of the most astonishing comebacks in World Darts history, Scott Williams produced a seismic shock to dump out Michael van Gerwen.

Hours after Rob Cross had fought back from 4-0 down to beat Chris Dobey 5-4, Williams deservedly saw off van Gerwen 5-3, hitting double 16 with his first match dart.

It was a remarkable result for the Boston thrower, who arrived at Alexandra Palace as a virtual no-hoper according to the bookmakers but is now one match away from the final.

Van Gerwen was subdued after a solid start, his failure to back up an opening 180 in what proved to be the final leg symptomatic of a below-par display which Williams took full advantage of.

Mighty Mike averaged just 93, his lowest of the tournament so far, and ultimately had no answer to a more clinical opponent who was able to match him in the scoring stakes.

"I've knocked two of the top 10 out already, I just knocked the best player in the world out," said Williams.

"He wasn't the Michael van Gerwen we'd seen the last couple of games, but that's not my problem. I probably should've won that a little bit easier.

"It's my friends and family, that's what keeps me going. I'm loving it up there. You guys know that I love a crowd.

"Michael knew that I wasn't going to back down. I was a good boy tonight. He missed chances, I took my chances. Double 16 will be my favourite double for ever and ever and ever!"

IS LUKE LITTLER THE NEXT PHIL TAYLOR AND WILL HE BE IN THE PREMIER LEAGUE?

Williams will face tournament favourite Luke Humphries in the semi-final, after Humphries produced his best performance yet to beat Dave Chisnall 5-1.

Humphries came through an almighty scare against Joe Cullen in the previous round but there was seldom any doubt about this one, not after he stole the fourth set after Chisnall missed chances to hold his throw.

"It felt strange to be the front-runner for once!" said Humphries. "It felt good to be in front and pushing harder, and I didn't relent.

"He's just such a great player, he's so hard to put away. I had to pull out my A-game to do that.

"Tonight we sort of see that form I've been showing in the last couple of majors. Chizzy was on it, if I didn't play that well I'd have lost."

World Darts Championship 2024: Monday results & Tuesday schedule

Monday January 1
Afternoon Session (12.30pm GMT)
Quarter-Finals (Best of 9 sets)
TV Coverage: Sky Sports Darts

  • Chris Dobey 4-5 Rob Cross
  • Luke Littler 5-1 Brendan Dolan

Evening Session (7pm GMT)
Quarter-Finals (Best of 9 sets)
TV Coverage: Sky Sports Darts

  • Michael van Gerwen 3-5 Scott Williams
  • Luke Humphries 5-1 Dave Chisnall

Tuesday January 2
Evening Session (7.30pm GMT)
Semi-Finals (Best of 11 sets)
TV Coverage: Sky Sports Darts

  • Luke Littler v Rob Cross
  • Scott Williams v Luke Humphries

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