In a night filled with twists and turns at the OVO Hydro in Glasgow, Michael van Gerwen emerged victorious, clinching a vital win against Luke Humphries in the night three Premier League final. Despite what might be described as an underwhelming performance by his lofty standards, the Dutch darting maestro showcased his mental fortitude and ability to prevail even when not at his best.

Reflecting on his performance in a post-match interview with SportsBoom.com, van Gerwen acknowledged his imperfections but emphasised the importance of getting the job done, stating, "Even without my best performance, I got the job done and sometimes that's the most important." This sentiment echoes the resilience and determination that has become synonymous with his name in the world of darts.

Throughout the evening, van Gerwen's finishing and strategic prowess were on display, compensating for what he described as subpar scoring. "I think my finishing and the way how I play the game I think was from really good standard. Of course, my scoring could have been better, but something that doesn’t matter" he noted. Indeed, his ability to capitalise on crucial moments and apply pressure to his opponents underscored his dominance on the stage.

Addressing his mindset during the match, van Gerwen highlighted the marathon-like nature of the Premier League, highlighting the need for consistency and improvement week after week. "It's not a sprint, it's a marathon and you need to make sure you do well every week," he remarked, hinting at his relentless pursuit of excellence.

Despite his victory, van Gerwen remained critical of his own performance, admitting to moments where he may have "switched off." However, his unwavering self-belief and confidence in his abilities propelled him to success. "I always believe in my own ability," he affirmed, illustrating the mental strength that sets him apart from his competitors.

Perhaps the most revealing insights into van Gerwen's mindset came when he was asked about what other players, such as Luke Humphries, need to do to reach his level of success. Rather than offering a straightforward answer, van Gerwen hinted at the increased attention and scrutiny that comes with being at the pinnacle of the sport. 

"That's why I don't want to do too many interviews," he quipped in response, subtly alluding to the demands on his time and energy as a result of his elevated status in the darting world. He went on to acknowledge that players like himself and Luke Littler have played a significant role in bringing more attention to the sport, thereby increasing the pressure on themselves. 

Van Gerwen hinted at the dilemma he faces while his success has undoubtedly elevated the profile of darts, it has also necessitated a greater level of media engagement, potentially requiring him to divulge his competitive secrets. This reluctance to be drawn into excessive interviews speaks volumes about van Gerwen's single-minded focus on his game and his desire to maintain a competitive edge in the face of mounting expectations and scrutiny.