"I have to win any title I'm playing in": Michael van Gerwen wins in own backyard and sends message with Littler win

Michael van Gerwen after losing a few weeks prior to Luke Littler in Bahrain gained revenge at the Dutch Darts Masters. It was a victory in his own backyard given he lives close to the venue and also with his old close friend, Toon Greebe being on the trophy, it carries extra meaning.

It banished some World Championship demons and ahead of the Premier League, he is in a good position.

"I think I played well all tournament and I think that's what you want and that's what you want to show the world. Of course Luke Littler is a fantastic dart player and I like to have him on the tour but you also have to make sure you're doing the right things for yourself and I showed that tonight to everyone," said Van Gerwen to Online Darts.

"I don't have to put extra pressure on me because if people start to play well, you only have to do yourself and start playing better yourself and that is the only thing that comes to mind."

He also lauded Luke Littler but believes that his finishing was the key in seeing off the 17-year-old talent.

"I think he played phenomenal and he had a lot of big chances and his scoring power was probably slightly better than mine. But my finishing and the way I finished my legs at certain moments, I think it was key."

He also sent an ominous message amid his latest title win while also admitting that he will have his struggles and that it is how he comes through it.

"I have to win any title I'm playing in. That's the way darts goes. Of course you're going to have some struggles here and there but that's the way sport is and you have to face it, you have to battle it and you have to keep fighting."