PDC Darts: Michael van Gerwen says he can handle final pressure

Michael van Gerwen is confident he can deal with the pressure of being the overwhelming favourite in Wednesday's PDC World Championship final.

The Dutchman beat former winner Adrian Lewis 6-0 in the semi-finals.

Van Gerwen will face Peter Wright in the final after the Scot beat Australian Simon Whitlock 6-2.

"When you are favourite there is always pressure but on Monday it was on my shoulders as well but it didn't affect my game at all," he told Sky Sports.

Scotland's Peter Wright had not reached a major final before the 2014 PDC World Championship

World number two Van Gerwen is a 2/9 favourite with a number of bookmakers to win his first world title.

He lost last year's decider to 16-time world champion Phil Taylor, but is not taking anything for granted against Wright, who is playing in his first final.

"I need to watch out for Peter Wright," said Van Gerwen, 24. "He can do very good things and I need to prepare myself for that very well.

"It would be amazing if I can win but it's too far away. I'm really looking forward to the final."

Wright, ranked 16 in the world, has become a fans' favourite at Alexandra Palace this year owing to his flamboyant hair colour and eccentric dress sense.

He also knocked out Michael Smith on his way to the final, the man who caused the shock of the tournament by beating Taylor in the second round.

"I'm just preparing as a first-round match every match," said Wright, 43. "I've got more and more experience this year on the circuit so I'll be more prepared to play Michael in the final. I'll push him all the way."