"Refreshed is a big word but I'm getting there": Van Gerwen admits rust is still there from holiday after De Sousa win

Michael van Gerwen sealed his progression through to Sunday's action at the 2023 Masters after seeing off Jose de Sousa 10-7 and he said that he believes he was the better player throughout.

"I think I played well especially early doors but not only early doors I think overall over the whole game I was I think the better player," said Van Gerwen post match.

"Of course he took his chances with a couple of good finishes or me missing two darts at a double but you need to make sure you do the right things and I think I did the right things for myself in this game. I was focused, I was concentrated and that's how you win games."

After turning up to Copenhagen full of jet lag, he admits he is still not 100% there but is feeling good albeit with some darting rust.

"Refreshed is a big word but I'm getting there, I didn't practice as much as I wanted to also for this tournament. But overall I feel good and that's probably even more important."

As well as giving a simple message about wanting to regain a title he has won five times. "Any tournament I'm competing in I want to win, it's as simple as that."