Scott Williams pulled off the biggest shock of the 2024 PDC World Darts Championship last night, defeating tournament favourite Michael van Gerwen in convincing fashion in their semi-final clash.
Van Gerwen was seen as the big favourite to win the tournament in recent days, with his form at Alexandra Palace in the first few rounds meaning many expected him to claim a fourth world title this week.
However, it became quickly apparent during yesterday's game that he was not quite hitting those heights against his English opponent on this occasion. Williams was the better player throughout, and while the pair would go tit for tat in the first six sets, it soon became clear that the unseeded player was on course for a big victory.
SCOTT WILLIAMS KNOCKS MICHAEL VAN GERWEN OUT OF THE WORLD DARTS CHAMPIONSHIP 🤯 pic.twitter.com/MB9HWoptj6
— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) January 1, 2024
This has been an incredible run from the 33-year old, who reached only the second round during his debut at Ally Pally last year. He will now prepare for a semi-final against Luke Humphries later this evening.
READ HERE: Ex-Darts World Champion Issues Warning To Media Over Coverage Of Luke Littler
Darts: Scott Williams careful with media after German controversy
Scott Williams has played some incredible darts during this tournament, but he has also been at the centre of some controversy.
Sky Sports were forced to apologise for his interview on the channel after his win over Germany's Martin Schindler in the third round, during which he referenced 'two World Cups and one World War'. He would receive some criticism as a result, going on to apologise for what he labelled as 'genuinely stupid' comments.
Williams has not been as forthcoming with the media since then, even avoiding a television interview altogether after his victory over Damon Heta in the last 16.
While he would speak to Sky Sports after his win against Michael van Gerwen, he made a couple of reference to the fact that he was reigning it in in comparison to the aftermath of the Schindler game.
"Double 16 has been my favourite double and will be my favourite double forever and ever and ever" 😅
Scott Williams reacts to his incredible win over Michael van Gerwen 👏 pic.twitter.com/XVEVxMSNtw— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) January 1, 2024
I didn't give a lot, I was really subtle. I was a good boy tonight.
He was certainly being more careful with his words on this occasion.
That continued during his post-match press conference, where Scott Williams admitted he was being selective with his phrasing on this occasion. He would also open up on the backlash he received in the aftermath of his comments after the third round game.
🗣️ "He was just always that little bit off..."
Hear from Scott Williams after his dramatic victory over Michael van Gerwen as he moved to within two wins of the World Championship title... pic.twitter.com/f3UdqJ308z— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) January 1, 2024
Words don't describe it. They can do, but I'm not allowed to say them on camera. So I'm very, very happy...
I won't be serious. I reserved myself a little bit for the Damon Heta game, mainly for what happened on social media and stuff like that.
I did have people booing me in the crowd and stuff, but now I realise that I'm actually okay, that people appreciate what I'm doing. I'm just going to enjoy myself and be exactly what I was in the first couple of games in the next round.
You certainly get the sense that Scott Williams will not be all that reserved in his semi-final against Luke Humphries.
While his previous comments may have been controversial, darts fans are certainly enjoying what he is bringing to this year's tournament.
SEE ALSO: Brendan Dolan Unimpressed By Luke Littler Moment In World Darts Championship Loss
