Van Gerwen discusses Wright's record average: 'There was nothing in which to perform in front of'

Van Gerwen also spoke about Peter Wright taking his highest broadcast average in history; he said that it doesn't annoy him as there was no crowd there; as well as that the two averages should in reality be separated.

'I think I played well. I was trying to get the highest average in this tournament ever, I tried to do my best for that but I had two poor legs and that killed me to be fair. I did well; my scoring was there when I had to and I'm through to the next round,' said Van Gerwen to LiveDarts.

'It doesn't annoy me because there was no crowd there. There was nothing in which to perform in front of; I think televised is televised and it has nothing to do with the internet but what do I know I am just a darts player.'

In facing Ian White, Van Gerwen believes he has to be at his best to get a result out of it; he will prepare accordingly for a player; who he calls one of the most underestimated on the circuit.

'Ian is one of the most underestimated players on the circuit and I have to play well if I want to beat him. I know what he is capable of; so I have to put him under pressure and make sure I do the right things at the right moments. I feel good and I look forward to playing in two days time.'

On Ross Smith who he defeated to top the group; he believes we will be seeing more of him soon: 'He's a good player, he's coming back; I think we're going to hear more from him soon,' concluded Van Gerwen.