''The beast has to come out of you'' - Michael van Gerwen looks ahead to clash with Joe Cullen

Michael van Gerwen believes he is on the "right track" ahead of his second-round match against Joe Cullen at the World Matchplay on Wednesday. The three-time winner of the tournament in Blackpool began his tournament Monday night with a 10-6 victory over Luke Littler.

Littler was the favorite to advance prior to the match, but Van Gerwen managed a dominant match at the Winter Gardens. He recorded an average of 102 and a finishing percentage of 43 percent.

"I was the underdog and I had a point to prove. That’s why the game was so important to me,'' Van Gerwen said on the PDC website. ''Luke has been playing really well, but he’s not unstoppable; you just have to face the challenge and play your own game.''

"There were a lot of stories and headlines about this match, and I’ve had a tough six months, so to win games like this means a lot to me.“I don’t really listen to outside noise. I need to make sure I do the right thing for myself and put my opponents under pressure.“My focus was there, my absolute will to win was there; the total package was complete and I think I was the far better player."

Van Gerwen was visibly emotional after booking his place in the second round and he stressed that the hunger is still there to achieve successes. His last title dates back to the Dutch Darts Masters in January this year, while Van Gerwen last won a ranking tournament in May 2023.

“I’m always emotional, especially after a big win, because I have so much love for this game,” continued the world number two. “I only see this emotion in a positive way. It shows I still like what I do. It still means something to me.“If it doesn’t mean anything to you anymore, it would be time for me to retire, but I’m not in that position yet, and I won’t be for the next five, six, seven, eight to ten years!”

Van Gerwen will now play Joe Cullen for a place in the quarterfinals. It will be the 37th meeting between the Dutchman and the Englishman. Of the previous 36 confrontations, 26 were won by Van Gerwen, including the last six meetings. Two years ago the two also met in the last sixteen at the World Matchplay. Then the victory went 11-5 to Van Gerwen.

“I’m on the right path,” declared Van Gerwen. “I know what I’m capable of. Mentally I am strong enough, but you have to keep digging, grafting and investing time in yourself. The beast has to come out of you. I always demand the highest standards from myself, and when I don’t achieve that, I’m the first person to criticise my own game. I’m not looking too far ahead now. I’m taking it game by game. You can’t make any mistakes and I’ve been making too many mistakes lately, so not again.”