Van Gerwen after surviving Mitchell scare to begin UK Open campaign: "He was slow, talking and does anything to try and beat me"

Michael van Gerwen is through to the Last 32 at the UK Open in his title defence seeing off Scott Mitchell and surviving a scare against the former Lakeside World Champion.

Van Gerwen spoke afterwards about his mindset heading into the tournaments and how he knows he is under pressure to deliver at the moment.

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"You know what he's capable of. You know what he can do and I think he played well in the beginning of the game, everyone could see I was struggling here or there. When you're in that position, it's hard work and you make it difficult for yourself," said Van Gerwen post match.

"If you just let your darts go and your mind relax, it makes it so much easier for yourself. I'm not in that position at the moment and I know that and I'm aware of that.

Confident to regain top status

After not winning World Championship and losing his World Number One spot, the fight and resolve is there for Mighty Mike to regain what he's lost.

"I've got something to fight for again and that's a good thing but we all know what I'm capable of and my confidence is still there. I feel good but there's still more in the tank. The darts I played with today, I only received them yesterday afternoon so I think I can't really complain."

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A lot is made of who is the best player in the world at the moment and Van Gerwen believes there is only one player who holds that mantle.

"I'm better anyway and they know that. That's not even a question. Even the bookies know that otherwise they wouldn't make me favourite. Still everyone looks up to me and to wind everyone up, I'm going to play for a few more years especially after Corona."

He also discussed the style of Mitchell, one which saw him get visibly frustrated throughout the tie.

"He was slow not my rhythm at all. He was talking behind me and does anything to try and beat me and he couldn't and that's a good thing for myself."