Van Gerwen confident of retaining World Grand Prix despite Hughes scare: 'I will win back-to-back this year - simple'

Michael van Gerwen survived a scare on the opening night of action at the World Grand Prix against Jamie Hughes but came through in the end in the defence of his title.

Van Gerwen spoke afterwards and admitted that he didn't perform but that his brilliance in spells made the difference.

He also paid credit to his opponent and said that he played really well for his first time in the tournament but he ended off by saying that he will win the title this week.

"I feel really good," said Van Gerwen, the winner in 2012, 2014, 2016 and 2018. "I didn't really perform but I did some phenomenal things in patches and that made me win this game - the 135 hurt him so much.

"Jamie played well, especially for his first time in this event. I was struggling at times and I can do a lot better than this, but it's a short format so it's difficult.

"I will win back-to-back this year - simple."

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