De Sousa hits back on dip in form: "I don't have to show to anybody who I am"

Jose de Sousa saw off Gabriel Clemens in a superb display from 'The Special One' sealing a 10-6 win at the World Matchplay and he clapped back at the notion of a dip in form since his Grand Slam of Darts win and Premier League final.

"Maybe I start to believe that I can do that again. I think to myself you just have to play the same way as when you practice. If you can do that, you win this game," said De Sousa post match.

"At least with Gabriel (Clemens), next round I don't know but at the moment, I still believe I can do this and I can play against the big players and I can win and beat them. This win means a lot for me."

"I don't have to show to anybody who I am. Everyone knows who I am, they know I can do the best of the best. I don't feel the pressure in that sense, I just go up there and try to take my practice game to the stage."

He believes he can get back to his previous best and despite some issues off the board, he wants to return to his best.

"I work very hard for that. I hope the fans understand, I passed difficult moments this year. Last week I was sick with fever, I feel a lot of pain and I tried to play. It was really difficult, now I'm ok but I'm still working hard to be the world's Special One. If I can do that, I can beat anyone."