Van Gerwen spoke afterwards and said that the performance was a bit inconsistent after a great start to the game for the World Number One.
He added that he wants his title back and that he's feeling good going into the final day of action which will see him face off against Michael Smith.
"I think I played okay, especially at the beginning of the game, but then I missed some doubles in the fourth leg and I was a little bit inconsistent," said Van Gerwen.
"I want to get my title back and I will have to play good darts on Friday, but I'm feeling good. It's always nice playing in venues like Mandalay Bay and I want to win this tournament."
Click here for more information on the US Darts Masters, the first World Series event of the season.
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