Michael van Gerwen warned ‘I’m not done yet’ after celebrating a record-breaking seventh Cazoo Premier League crown at The O2 in London on Thursday night.
Van Gerwen created another slice of history on a memorable night in the capital, defeating World Champion Michael Smith and table-topper Gerwyn Price to retain his title in emphatic style.
The Dutch superstar followed up a 10-8 success over Smith with a resounding 11-5 win against Price in the evening’s showpiece, to become the most successful player in Premier League history.
“It feels amazing. I had to fight really hard today,” admitted Van Gerwen, who continued his incredible record at The O2, a decade on from his maiden triumph against Phil Taylor in 2013.
“It’s been a tough 16 weeks, but when you produce something like this in the Play-Offs, it gives you a lot of pleasure.
“I have peaked at the right moment – that is exactly what you have to do.
“I was slightly the underdog. Gerwyn Price is in fantastic form. Michael Smith had won three of the last four weeks, so people were questioning me, and it motivated me.
“Most importantly, I have won this tournament for a seventh time, and I am really pleased.”
?️ "I had to fight really hard today." ?
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) May 25, 2023
Hear from Michael van Gerwen after his record-breaking seventh Premier League title success here at The O2... pic.twitter.com/9XqJL4oucz
Van Gerwen has been the Premier League’s dominant force since making his debut in 2013, reaching nine finals and topping the league phase on eight occasions.
Thursday’s triumph saw the 34-year-old overhaul Taylor’s tally of six Premier League titles, but Van Gerwen has ominously insisted that there’s still more to come.
“I am always the governor,” quipped the three-time World Champion, who averaged 105 and converted 128, 150 and 170 finishes to deny Price a maiden Premier League crown.
“I had to play this well, because we all saw what Gerwyn Price did in the semi-finals, so I know I had to produce something special.
“It’s a great feeling [to break Taylor’s record], but for me, numbers are only numbers. It’s all about next year now, which is another one I could possibly win.
“I need to make sure now I get my focus going, because next week we have another important tournament, and that’s the World Series event in New York.”
Van Gerwen will return to action at next weekend’s US Darts Masters, and he is hoping his latest Premier League success can be the catalyst for a trophy-laden 2023 campaign.
Following an inauspicious start to 2022, Van Gerwen’s victory in last year’s roadshow sparked a terrific run, which saw him lift four of the sport’s biggest titles.
The Dutchman also celebrated World Matchplay, World Grand Prix and Players Championship Finals wins last year, and he is confident of enjoying similar success over the coming months.
“It would be nice,” added Van Gerwen, who now boasts an incredible 62 PDC televised titles on his résumé.
“Of course last year I had a phenomenal season, especially with the major tournaments, and I hope I can do exactly the same this year, it would be fantastic.
“I’m not done yet. I love what I do, and there’s more to come.”