Van Gerwen looking forward to returning home to family after World Series trip: "Even more than winning this title"

Michael van Gerwen is through to the Quarter-Finals at the New Zealand Darts Masters after a comfortable win over Bernie Smith 6-3.

Van Gerwen was glad to get past a methodical and difficult opponent and find his way through in the end.

"It was a difficult player to play against. Bernie (Smith) played a decent game today and to do it against a slow player like him makes it extra tough but overall I think I can't really complain. Just on the 100 average, doubles were good, scoring power at times was good so there's something you can rely on for the next game," said Van Gerwen to Online Darts.

During the draw ceremony, the players were welcomed with a hakka and other festivities and Van Gerwen has enjoyed his return to New Zealand.

"It's been amazing. The welcome we had with the Hakka and the mayor of the town was here. It's a real pleasure, it's a beautiful part of the world but the worst thing about it is that it's such a long flight. Of course that was the serious bit and now we are on the next serious bit and that's playing the tournament and I think I played quite well."

Next up is Jonny Clayton but he doesn't believe he has to send a message to others in the tournament and that proceedings depend on how he plays.

"I don't have to send messages to anyone in this tournament, they now know what I'm capable of. They're also dependent on my ability in the evening and he knows as well but if you want to win this tournament you have to beat everyone and that includes Jonny (Clayton). He did really well in Wollongong and I won the other one in Townsville so it'll be nice if I can win that one."

Going home after this, he is looking forward to seeing his family again but admits it's a sacrifice needed as a top darts player.

"Even more than winning this title that's one thing for sure. It's been a long trip, a lot of guys have got their family with them. I'm not doing that because I did it once and it's not my cup of tea. It's a long time three and a half weeks but I'm a professional darts player and you have to take it on the chin."