Michael van Gerwen has credited mental strength for ending his two-and-a-half year wait for a European Tour title.
Sunday saw Van Gerwen defeat Rob Cross in the Interwetten German Darts Championship final to claim his first ranking title of the year.
Van Gerwen, who sits top of the Premier League after winning the last two league phase nights, continued his return to form with victory in Hildesheim to move back up to third on the PDC Order of Merit after a brief spell in fifth.
"I've been waiting for this for a really long time, I've been working hard," said Van Gerwen, who dominated the European Tour from 2013 to 2019.
"I keep fighting and never give up. Mentally I showed a lot over the past few months to work myself back towards where I should be.
"To win a tournament feels absolutely phenomenal, it means a lot to me.
"To have crowds back is fantastic, it means the world to me.
"I love to play the tournaments in Germany; these crowds are what darts is all about, they come here to enjoy themselves and finally I am enjoying myself too."
Van Gerwen returns to action on Thursday for Cazoo Premier League Night Six at Nottingham's Motorpoint Arena.