Michael van Gerwen has been performing poorly by his own standards in recent months. The Dutchman though does not intend to simply accept the slump in form.

Van Gerwen was unable to qualify for the play-offs in the Premier League for the first time last week. "I do think that the opponents think that I am more vulnerable than before", said Van Gerwen to RTL 7. "Although that could also mean their downfall. In my match against Michael Smith, for example, I noticed that he thought he was a favorite. "

"My mental capacity and concentration are still good", continues 'MVG'. "At times when the opponents take it a bit easier, I can still put them under considerable pressure, which is certainly positive."