"Every game has to be like a world final" - Michael van Gerwen gives explanation to lacklustre form

Michael van Gerwen made an excellent start to the Players Championship Finals. 'Mighty Mike' defeated Callan Rydz 6-3 in the opening round.

Van Gerwen, who achieved an average of over 97, reacted quite satisfied afterwards. "I think in patches I played okay. Of course, I could have done better here and there, my doubles were a bit poor. But I kept my focus going, I kept my game going and I think that's the most important thing," the seven-time Players Championship Finals winner told Online Darts.

Still, Van Gerwen did not come to the Players Championship Finals in the best of form. "I've had a really poor four or five months to be honest," van Gerwen admits. "But that's also part of darts and you need to try to change it your way. Put more time into it, more practice, more dedication."

"Every game has to be like a world final and that's the way that I want to approach games. That's not always that easy, but that's what you have to do," he assesses.

Van Gerwen has won this tournament seven times already, most recently last year. "The fans are always great to me here. I want to perform well here, I want to do the right thing for myself," he said.

In the next round, Van Gerwen will take on Ross Smith, who was too strong for Scott Williams in his opening match, 6-2. "That's a match I'm really looking forward to. If we both get to our best level it should be a cracker."