Michael van Gerwen aims dig at Gerwyn Price after World Series of Darts Finals triumph

At one stage, it looked like the Welshman would finally break his duck against van Gerwen. But once again, a mixture of the world champion's class and Price's missed chances turned the tables in the former's favour. Mighty Mike forced a decider, then won it, to claim his place in Sunday's quarter-finals.

After the match in Amsterdam, van Gerwen couldn't help but aim a barb at his opponent, as reported by Live Darts.

The 30-year-old said: "That was a good game. I'm pleased with how I played.

"Gerwyn is a phenomenal player but he keeps thinking about other stuff than darts, like pulling his socks up and talking next to me.

Van Gerwen added: "He shouldn't do that because he's much better than that and doesn't need stuff like that, it's unfortunate.

"He is playing well at the moment but I don’t care about that as long as I am still the best."

While the widespread support for Dutch icon van Gerwen was unsurprising in Amsterdam, Price was once again subject to boos and heckles.

The Grand Slam of Darts champion has admitted that the crowd criticism affects him, and even hinted at an early retirement in an Instagram post that was later removed.

Price's woes are magnified when facing the three-time world champion. In 19 career competitive matches against van Gerwen, the former rugby player has managed one draw amid 18 defeats.

After the win on Saturday night, van Gerwen moved on to the World Series of Darts quarter-finals. He will play Price's Welsh compatriot Jonny Clayton in the last eight.

Price, meanwhile, will turn his attentions to defending his Grand Slam of Darts crown in Wolverhampton next week.