''There is too many troubles going on in the world, so let everyone enjoy'' - Michael van Gerwen praises German fans in Leverkusen

Michael van Gerwen secured a spot among the last sixteen at the European Darts Open in the German city of Leverkusen on Saturday night by winning 6-4 against Dylan Slevin in his second round match.

For Van Gerwen, it was his first match of the tournament. As one of the top-16 seeded players, 'Mighty Mike' had a bye in the first round of this European Tour event. Slevin had to start in the first round and progressed to the second round with a 6-4 win over Jamie Hughes.

However, one moment of slackness cost him the win against the Dutchman. The Irishman was already broken by Van Gerwen in the first leg. Slevin then missed chances for a rebreak in the second and sixth leg. Van Gerwen then pulled off the victory with a 78 finish in the tenth leg.

Van Gerwen's numbers were not great; an average of 92 and a finish percentage of 27 percent. ''What do you expect? A first match is always difficult. You just want to win,'' Van Gerwen responded afterwards.

''It didn't go the way I wanted at the end. My game needs a little bit more work. I'm feeling good but hopefully I can show it tomorrow (Sunday, ed.)'', he continued.

Van Gerwen has won the European Darts Open five times in the past. So the Vlijmen native likes coming to Leverkusen, although that is also because of the fans attending this event. ''This is a place which is not so far from my home, so I love this place. It's always nice overhere. The people are really polite and respectful. I think that is what darts also needs. There is too many troubles going on in the world, so let everyone enjoy. ,'' Van Gerwen diplomatically concluded.

The third round of the European Darts Open will take place on Sunday afternoon, before the tournament concludes with the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final in a bumper evening session at the Ostermann-Arena.