‘Offended’ Michael Van Gerwen queries Covid controls after shock championship exit

Michael Van Gerwen hit out at match organisers after being left “disillusioned, confused and indignant” following his withdrawal from the William Hill World Darts Championship due to a constructive check for Covid-19.

The three-time champion was set to play within the third spherical on Tuesday night time at Alexandra Palace towards Chris Dobey, who has been given a bye by way of to the final 16.

Van Gerwen, who’s asymptomatic, turns into the third participant to have contracted the virus throughout this 12 months’s championship.

“Actually disillusioned, confused, indignant the best way how my world championship is ending,” the Dutchman wrote on Twitter.

“By no means anticipated this consequence as I assumed I did all the pieces in my risk to keep away from it. Additionally ain’t bought any signs.

“Closing this 12 months of (sic) actually shortly. Followers I’ll be again stronger!”

Van Gerwen was left lower than impressed by the flip of occasions, which follows on from fellow countryman Vincent Van Der Voort having additionally examined constructive and being compelled into isolation.

“In fact our well being is an important factor, however you’re right here to win the match,” Van Gerwen instructed Dutch media outlet AD Sportwereld.

“I by no means noticed this coming. Vincent and I’ve been nearly nowhere. We didn’t even go to the breakfast room (on the lodge), as a result of we thought it was too busy there.

“We get to take a seat right here collectively now, however we had imagined this very otherwise. Once more, that is actually the most important nightmare.

“I check myself right here on daily basis. I don’t know the place I bought it. But we’re the loser.”

Raymond Van Barneveld had examined constructive after starting to really feel unwell within the wake of his 3-1 defeat by Rob Cross on Thursday night time.

Van Der Voort was then was compelled to tug out forward of his scheduled match towards James Wade on Monday.

Following Van Barneveld’s constructive check, organisers insisted all obligatory precautions had been in place to safeguard each gamers and followers on the occasion.

Van Gerwen, although, feels extra might be achieved to restrict the unfold of the virus.

“They really need to examine everybody on the door on daily basis, they didn’t try this. In keeping with the British Authorities this isn’t obligatory, however to guard your personal organisation and the World Championship, that will have been helpful,” the Dutchman mentioned.

“The PDC will always say that they’ve adopted the principles of the Authorities, however they might have been checked out extra carefully.

“The management has not been robust sufficient. It’s only a huge corona bomb now.

“It’s as leaky as a basket, now I pay a excessive value. I haven’t achieved something in any respect, that makes it further bitter.”

In response to Van Gerwen’s feedback, the PDC mentioned in an announcement to the PA information company on Tuesday night: “We hope each Vincent and Michael stay in good well being and share their disappointment that they had been unable to proceed within the match.

“We received’t touch upon particular person gamers’ circumstances and we proceed to comply with permitted protocols on the William Hill World Darts Championship, which incorporates testing for all gamers concerned within the occasion.”

The withdrawal of third seed Van Gerwen will open up the draw, with Dobey set to tackle both Dave Chisnall or Luke Humphries for a quarter-final place.

In Tuesday afternoon’s session, Martijn Kleermaker edged out Joe Cullen 4-3 of their third-round match.

The Dutchman, making his debut at Alexandra Palace, had moved right into a three-set lead, just for Cullen to launch a fightback and pressure a decider, with Kleermaker occurring to clinch it 4-2.

Gamers Championship runner-up Ryan Searle noticed off Danny Noppert 4-2 to maneuver into the final 16, whereas Mervyn King had earlier coasted to a 4-0 win over Irishman Steve Lennon.