Van Gerwen after stunning display to break Grand Slam average record: "This was coming, I've been working hard"

Michael van Gerwen produced an epic display defeating Joe Cullen 5-2 with an average of 115.19 to surge towards the next round of the Grand Slam of Darts.

Van Gerwen spoke afterwards and was still critical of himself in certain quarters despite claiming the win.

"I know that was good but you still have to be critical towards yourself. I still missed too many doubles that I wanted to do but I think my scoring power was phenomenal," said Van Gerwen post match.

"They're still lucky because the barrier should be higher there and they all know that. This gives you confidence and you can build for the rest of the tournament."

For Mighty Mike though, this was underlining his hard work and he reiterated the point that at his best - he is unbeatable.

"I think this was coming, I've been working hard putting in a lot of time towards myself and it starts paying out. Not only that, my home situation is good, my family is good and when things like that is all good around you, it gives you confidence and gives you happiness."

"If I play my game and turn into the real Michael van Gerwen, no one can beat me. But you still have to do it time after time, I like to put the pressure on myself but the other people put the pressure on me as well."

It was a night off record averages with Fallon Sherrock also producing on a blockbuster night and he was also asked about the Queen of the Palace who shares management with MVG.

"I think Fallon is a credit to woman's sport. I'm trying to finalise her a little bit and try to make her even better because I think she has big potential. But she needs to start listening to me, that's really important for her," he said with a smile.