Relieved Michael van Gerwen reckons he had to survive some CRAP to make it past Brendan Dolan and reach the next round of the World Darts Championship.
The Dutch star played in patches against the Northern Irishman before sealing a 4-2 win. At times, it was vintage Van Gerwen and the clinical edge of a three-time champion. On other occasions, it was not sparkling and shabby as he offered up some opportunities to Dolan.
Van Gerwen knows he needs to step it up and explained: “It was tough, it was really hard, it was a really difficult game. Everyone could see Brendan never gives up and I knew that. I had to try and punish him at the right moments and I wasn’t capable. I can only blame myself for that. I was so glad that the last double went in.
“After 1-1, I thought I played two good sets, but then I let him slip away with a few things. The fifth set was absolute crap and you are not allowed to do that because he is a fighter and never gives up. You don’t want to put yourself in trouble and I nearly did.
“You have to keep performing and believe. There is still a lot of work to do, but I know I am capable of doing it. I’m through. There’s no easy games.
“Joe Cullen said to me in the practice room the other day: Mike, you have a good draw. I said: I have Brendan, he beat Gary Anderson and Gerwyn Price last year. Everyone knows I have had a hard year and I have to battle from a big distance far behind. But I’m capable of it.”