"I am not in form yet. I’m still struggling": Michael van Gerwen gives honest verdict after Bunting Masters Final loss

Michael van Gerwen failed to capture the Masters for a sixth time in his career losing out to Stephen Bunting 11-7 in Sunday's final as 'The Bullet' achieved major title destiny in Milton Keynes.

But as ever with Van Gerwen, it was a gracious tone in defeat as he lauded the former Lakeside World Champion. But also he admitted in an honest verdict that he is still far from his best and is struggling despite him winning a title already this season and reaching another final. Up until that final, MVG was barely troubled including in particular a thrashing of Dimitri van den Bergh, but came unstuck against Bunting as his search to reclaim a title he won most years up until 2019 remains unstuck.

“Fair play to Stephen, he played really well throughout the tournament,” claimed Van Gerwen.

“I think just before the last break, I was playing a little bit better than him, but I couldn’t make the difference.

“He kept producing the 140s and he put me under a lot of pressure. He has worked really hard for this, and it’s a nice moment for him.

“There is lots more to come from me, but I am not in form yet. I’m still struggling here and there.

“I know I can do a lot better, but I want to give Stephen the credit because he had a really good tournament.”