Michael van Gerwen started his
US Darts Masters campaign and amid multiple shocks, he eased past Jake Macmillan 6-2.
He concluded it with a 141 checkout and now will face Jim Long in the Quarter-Finals in the early hours of Sunday morning.
But he wasn't pleased with his display and believes more work has to be done going into Sunday.
"In some patches, it was absolute crap. In others, I think I played really well. I think second leg onwards I hit a couple of good ton-plus scores after each other. But still too many mistakes but I was able to make them. He played ok early doors but afterward, you could see his form slipping away. I played ok in patches but I'm not really proud of myself," said Van Gerwen.
He was also asked about losses for Michael Smith and Peter Wright and said it can happen.
"It's only a short format and you don't want to make mistakes. You can't afford them. You could see the guy who played Michael Smith put in some great performances and you can lose, it's as simple as that.
But after winning the title in Las Vegas, he has his sights set on being the first to win a second title.
"That's going to change tomorrow," concluded Van Gerwen with a smile.