Status: 02.01.2023 07:57
For the first time at the Darts World Cup, Gabriel Clemens is a German in the semi-finals. But even after his sensational success against the number one in the world, the Saarlander remains an outsider. A role that suits him.
Anyone planning an interview with Gabriel Clemens should prepare well. While the German number one is quite laid back and easy to get along with, they are also quiet and not very talkative.
Clemens does not bathe in his successes, does not hold monologues lasting minutes and does not deliver any particularly striking statements. Short answers are the order of the day, he doesn’t like being in the spotlight. When he was asked at the press conference after reaching the semi-finals how it felt, he only said: “Very good, what can I say so soon after the game.”
Little-known injury concerns
The 39-year-old didn’t even announce the most difficult phase of his career so far. At the beginning of last year, Clemens had problems with the elbow of his throwing hand. He sought treatment, but the pain came back. A darts break was out of the question because of the full tournament calendar, but the results didn’t fit properly either.
It was only after he had consulted several doctors that he was diagnosed with a so-called ulnar hook spur. Among other things, this had led to bursitis. This was followed by treatment with shock wave therapy. That helped, because Clemens is now pain-free again. Regular check-ups are now part of it.
After the quarter-final premiere: Gabriel Clemens is in the semi-finals of the Darts World Cup
1/2/2023 11:30 am
Meticulous worker
Only four years ago, the former industrial mechanic became a full professional. Even if Clemens doesn’t take himself too seriously, he works hard and meticulously for his success. On the one hand there is of course the daily training on the target, but there are also other priorities. For example, working with an athletic trainer at the Olympic base in Saarbrücken. There he was shown, among other things, stabilization exercises that are also possible when traveling in a hotel room.
For Clemens, a mental coach is also part of it. Especially in a sport like darts, which takes place more than 80 percent in the head. A support that, according to TV expert Wayne Mardle, is still only used by very few top players. For Clemens, it is one of the main factors in the current run of success. His calmness is always noticeable on the disc. He only shows emotions in particularly important moments.
Favorites for the title are others
When looking at the semi-finalists, it quickly becomes apparent that Clemens has the least experience in such a tournament phase. This is his first time ever in the last four of a major tournament. Michael van Gerwen (Netherlands), Michael Smith (England) and Dimitri van den Bergh (Belgium) have won at least one major title. In general, the “German Giant” is the highest-ranked player in the world without winning a tournament on the tour.
Today’s opponent Michael Smith has been in the World Cup final twice, but has lost out each time. In a direct comparison, Clemens is clearly behind with one win and four defeats. The situation is similar against three-time world champion van Gerwen, who could wait in the final. There were two losses from two games. Only in the duels with van den Bergh is his balance balanced.
Without pressure
A look back at the performance in the quarter-finals is encouraging for the match against Smith: Clemens was significantly better here. Smith won rather happily and afterwards spoke about the great pressure he had put on himself. Nevertheless, the much more experienced Englishman is the favourite. Clemens can play without pressure, he has already achieved much more than many would have believed him possible.
The semi-finals will be played according to the “best of 11 sets” format. Whoever wins six sets is in the final. There, seven won sets are required (“best of 13 sets”).
Even the absolute optimists among the darts fans before the World Cup would not have even dreamed of a German making it to the final. The world title would be the biggest upset this sport has ever seen. Clemens reacts to the question of what is still possible with a lot of self-confidence and the usual short answer: “Why shouldn’t I be able to beat everyone now? I don’t need to hide from anyone.”
Source: sportschau.de