Michael van Gerwen was on the wrong end of an ‘insane’ moment at the 2023 PDC World Darts Championship.
The Dutchman faced Mensur Suljovic in the third round at Alexandra Palace.
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Van Gerwen produced a blistering display to lead a high-quality affair after four sets.
Leading 3-1, the three-time world champion set himself up for a match dart with the fifth set level at 2-2.
However, despite Suljovic having a finish on 161, Van Gerwen snubbed the chance to take out 121.
Instead, Mighty Mike opted against going for the bullseye and pinned single 18 to leave himself 32.
Sky Sports commentator Wayne Mardle was stunned, exclaiming: “He’s not gone for it. He thinks someone averaging 101 over nigh on five sets is not going to take out 161.”
Van Gerwen’s decision immediately backfired as his opponent stepped up to the oche.
Suljovic expertly responded with triple 20, triple 17 and the bullseye for a 161 checkout.
His heroics clinched the set to reduce Van Gerwen’s lead to 3-2 as the Ally Pally crowd erupted.
Meanwhile, the Austrian celebrated passionately before smiling and shaking his head at the third seed’s expense.
Mardle was almost speechless as he reacted, commenting: “That is insane. That is insane.”
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The four-time World Championship semi-finalist could then be heard in hysterics as replays of Van Gerwen’s reaction were shown.
He stood stony-faced as Suljovic completed his checkout to punish the Dutch darts ace.
Mardle continued: “Look at his face. Look at his face. That is one of the most ridiculous things I have ever seen. Look at Mensur.”
After composing himself, the pundit added: “Look at Michael’s face. Yes, Michael, it happened.”
Fortunately for Van Gerwen, he was able to spare his own blushes in the following set.
By taking the sixth set 3-1, he clinched victory in the match 4-2 to move through to the last 16.
Van Gerwen would go on to make it all the way to what was his sixth final in London.
Michael Smith would claim a 7-4 victory, though, to deny MVG a fourth world title.