MICHAEL VAN GERWEN is bidding to break his record number of PDC titles in a year after claiming the European Darts Grand Prix in Sindelfingen on Sunday.
The Dutch star picked up his tenth PDC crown of 2018 and now has his sights set on breaking his record of 26 titles in a year.
The world number one clinched his 23rd European Tour crown in Germany at the weekend and is now hungry to add to his incredible tally.
“I think I can break my record of 26 titles in a year,” said Van Gerwen, who will be looking to win a 24th European Tour title of his career in front of a home crowd in Zwolle at this weekend’s Dutch Darts Masters.
"This may be the best tournament I have ever played"
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) May 8, 2018
Michael van Gerwen is hitting red hot form at the right time ahead of the Premier League Play-Offs.
Hear from the World Number One after he raced to the European Darts Grand Prix title. pic.twitter.com/Ad74sUd7JV
“Winning makes me a better player, it gives me more confidence and I like to play every tournament.
“There are so many good players at the moment, but I’m a positive man and I’m already looking forward already to next week.
“If I don’t win a tournament then I stand up to it and keep going because I have to make sure I get better for next time.”
Very happy with a win. A great tournament for me... sorry guys but I'm getting better.
— Michael Van Gerwen (@MvG180) May 6, 2018
Brilliant crowd thanks everyone I hope you enjoyed like I did. ?
The two-time World Champion believes he produced his finest darts as he beat James Wade 8-3 to become the first player to claim two Glaspalast titles.
Van Gerwen defeated Alan Tabern, Darren Webster, Dave Chisnall and Michael Smith en route to the final.
“I think that was my best ever tournament,” added Van Gerwen, who averaged over 110 in his three Sunday evening matches.
“To average over 110 for three games in a row is special, I think I produced a phenomenal performance.
“Other players always push me, and I have to do something special to win these games.
“James is back on track and playing consistently well again, he pushed me all the way especially at the start of the game.
“I had to do everything I could to win the games this weekend, which makes my mind stronger as I have to perform even better.”
Van Gerwen will be looking to add the Dutch Darts Masters, along with a fourth Premier League title, to his ever-expanding trophy cabinet over the next two weeks.
However, the Dutch ace insisted he will not be taking his eye off the ball this Thursday evening as he faces Gary Anderson in Aberdeen in the Unibet Premier League.
“I’ve got an important few weeks coming up, I feel fantastic and I want to keep this winning feeling going,” said Van Gerwen, who could face Anderson in the play-off semi-finals at The O2 the following week.
“I never want to lose, I fight for every leg and I don’t like to take anything for granted.
"Even though I am safe in top spot, I want to show everyone how good I can be.
“I’m Michael – I’m a winner, I do my thing and I don’t care what anyone else does.”