Michael van Gerwen returned to winning ways with victory at the Elten Safety Shoes German Darts Grand Prix on Monday, defeating his fellow countryman Gian van Veen to clinch a record-extending 38th European Tour title in Munich.
The Dutchman’s recent struggles have been well-documented, but he reaffirmed his credentials in sensational style to claim a fourth German Darts Grand Prix, defeating Van Veen 8-5 in the final as he reeled off three straight legs from 5-5 to cap off a sensational tournament.
Having survived three match darts in his opening win over Kim Huybrechts on Sunday, Van Gerwen achieved perfection in his last 16 tie against Ryan Searle, averaging 104 on his way to a 6-1 success.
The 35-year-old then delivered a flawless display on the outer-ring to defeat Ryan Joyce in the last eight, before reeling off five straight legs to close out a thumping 7-2 semi-final win against Josh Rock.
This set up a showdown against World Youth Champion Van Veen in a repeat of last September’s Hungarian Darts Trophy decider, with Van Gerwen again coming out on top.
Luke Littler was knocked out in the semi-finals after falling to a 7-4 defeat against finalist Van Veen.
Littler beat Joe Cullen in the last-16 round on the final day of the competition, pinning a magical 170 on his way to a 6-3 victory and overcame a close encounter with Peter Wright in the quarter-finals, winning 6-5.
The world champion took to social media to take out his frustration on playing in the tournament, saying: “Shouldn’t [have] been in Munich but had to play anyway. Next one in Germany for me is Dortmund and I am glad to say that.”
It comes days after Gerwyn Price slammed last week’s Premier League night in Rotterdam as “pointless,” claiming “darts were blowing everywhere” due to a draught.
Van Gerwen: I really needed this
Van Gerwen admitted he really needed the win in Munich to boost his confidence
“It definitely means a lot to me,” said the world No 3. “We all know where I’m coming from. I’ve been battling my own battles lately. The last few weeks I’m playing poorly, I didn’t do what I could and I know I’ve got it in me but you want to show it week after week.
“With the pressure on me all the time, sometimes I get annoyed with that but I also put pressure on myself.
“To win this tournament means the world to me.”
He added: “If you look at my tournament average and the way I played all tournament, I think it was great. Of course in the final there’s pressure on my shoulders but to do it and win it here in Munich, people don’t have a clue. It means the world.
“I needed this. I really needed this.”
‘I will never give up on Premier League Play-Offs’
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Van Gerwen’s brilliant 114 finish earned a classic 6-5 win over 18-year-old world champion Littler on the first night of the Premier League
Van Gerwen, who currently sits outside the Play-Off spots in the Premier League, said: “It’s probably going to give me the confidence because I’m in a tough position in the Premier League. I’ve made it tough for myself but everyone who knows me knows I will never give up. I always keep battling, I always keep fighting, that’s what you need.
“Full gas!”
Van Veen was unable to land his first European Tour title just two days before he celebrates his 23rd birthday, although the Dutchman performed admirably throughout the weekend in Munich.
“I’ve had a phenomenal three days,” insisted Van Veen, who rises to a career-high of world No 23.
“Neither of us played our best game in the final. I played well on my own legs, but on Michael’s throw I didn’t perform, and he was the deserved winner.
“I’m a bit gutted to lose, but I’m really happy with second place, and hopefully my first European Tour title is coming soon!”
Following a thrilling three days in Munich, the PDC European Tour continues next weekend, as the Premstattner Halle in Graz plays host to the Austrian Darts Open from April 25-27.
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Wayne Mardle examines Littler’s TV-ranked tournament stats and how they compare to Van Gerwen’s numbers back in 2017
Monday April 21
Afternoon Session
Third Round
Josh Rock 6-4 Gerwyn Price
Krzysztof Ratajski 6-4 Rob Cross
Ryan Joyce 6-4 Niels Zonneveld
Michael van Gerwen 6-1 Ryan Searle
Ross Smith 6-2 Dave Chisnall
Gian van Veen 6-4 Martin Schindler
Peter Wright 6-4 Madars Razma
Luke Littler 6-3 Joe Cullen
Evening Session
Quarter-Finals
Josh Rock 6-5 Krzysztof Ratajski
Michael van Gerwen 6-4 Ryan Joyce
Gian van Veen 6-3 Ross Smith
Luke Littler 6-5 Peter Wright
Semi-Finals
Michael van Gerwen 7-2 Josh Rock
Gian van Veen 7-4 Luke Littler
Final
Michael van Gerwen 8-5 Gian van Veen
Where does the Premier League head next?
The Premier League continues at the M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool on Thursday, April 24 as Michael van Gerwen and Luke Littler clash, while Luke Humphries takes on Nathan Aspinall in Stephen Bunting’s homecoming. Watch Night 12 of Premier League Darts, in Liverpool, live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports+ from 6pm – stream with NOW.
Sky Sports will once again be the home of the Premier League in 2025, with every night exclusively live along with the World Matchplay, World Grand Prix, Grand Slam of Darts and more! Stream darts and more top sport with NOW
