Fighting talk from Van Gerwen after hard-fought Van Dongen win: "I will be the first winner here, simple as that"

Michael van Gerwen survived a scare as Jules van Dongen came from 4-1 down to push the Green Machine but he still opened up his US Darts Masters campaign with a win as he faces James Wade in the Quarter-Finals.

"Of course I'm happy, it takes the edge off. It takes the pressure off your shoulders, I knew I was probably going to win anyway but that gives myself more pressure than playing Jules or playing in this venue, you still have to do it," said Van Gerwen post match.

"I let him in through the game. Then he tried to get the crowd involved. I think come on Mike just finish this as it makes it so much easier for yourself."

In terms of the celebrations, Van Dongen gave it some throughout and Van Gerwen expected it given the weight of the occasion for the Dutch born American.

"It's the game of his life. His first time as well in front of his home crowd as he lives here and has American wife and kids so what can you do. I did the right thing, I just went along with it."

But he is bullish about his chances this weekend and believes no-one holds the edge over him.

"I will be the first winner here, simple as that. 100%, who's going to beat me. Who's playing better? No-one."