“This was actually a really crap game” – Michael van Gerwen gives brutal self-assessment after surviving six Madars Razma match darts in Riesa thriller

Michael van Gerwen reached finals day at the 2026 International Darts Open — but he refused to sugarcoat how poor he felt his performance really was.

The three-time world champion survived a huge scare against Madars Razma, edging through 6-5 after Razma missed six match darts. Afterwards, Van Gerwen admitted he had “got away with one” and warned that the same standard would not be enough to survive Sunday.

“Yeah, of course I got away with one,” Van Gerwen admitted. “But I made it so difficult for myself, especially at the beginning of the game.”

Despite Razma averaging only around the low 80s early on, Van Gerwen still found himself 3-0 down — an unusual position for a player known for punishing opponents instantly when they dip below their best.

“I had so many chances, but it didn’t feel right today,” he said. “Maybe my concentration level wasn’t 100%. Then you only have yourself to blame. You can’t blame someone else.”

Van Gerwen did eventually fight his way back into the contest, but even victory could not hide his frustration with the overall quality of the match.

“This was actually a really crap game. We all know that,” he said bluntly. “But I’ve won the game and I have to play better tomorrow. I know that.”

The Dutchman also admitted he struggled badly with the rhythm of the match, saying Razma’s slower pace prevented him from settling into any flow.

“With all due respect, he’s not the most enjoyable player to play against,” Van Gerwen explained. “You don’t get any rhythm, especially when you are trying really hard and things don’t go really easy. You have to fight for it.”

Still, the result mattered more than the performance.

“But more importantly, I won, and I don’t really care how I win,” he added. “Of course I do, but if I win, that’s the most important thing.”

Van Gerwen was also asked about the inconsistency in his form after recently winning on the ProTour and producing a stunning 122 average against Martin Schindler. But the Dutchman insisted past performances mean nothing now.

“That is history. You need to look to the future,” he said.

According to Van Gerwen, the biggest issue against Razma was focus rather than ability.

“I wasn’t concentrated 100% enough and that was my problem today,” he admitted. “I don’t know why, but sometimes you have those days.”

He also pointed to the relentless darts calendar as part of the challenge players face week after week.

“It’s a very busy schedule and you always try to be there 100%,” he explained. “You always prepare yourself well for a game. But things like this happen, unfortunately.”

Van Gerwen praised the crowd in Riesa for their support, but quickly shifted attention back to the task ahead.

“This has to be better tomorrow, otherwise you don’t have a chance,” he warned. “Simple as that.”

For Van Gerwen, the performance may have been forgettable — but the result kept his title hopes alive after surviving one of the biggest scares of his tournament so far.