Michael van Gerwen couldn't hide his emotions after a commanding win over Luke Littler at the World Matchplay in Blackpool.

The Dutch darts legend secured a 10-6 triumph in the opening round against his young rival, having had his nose put somewhat out of joint by Littler's rise over the past 12 months.

The 35 year-old faced the unseeded Littler in what many considered a daunting first-round match-up, yet he emerged victorious for the sixth time in their 10 encounters, signalling that he remains a force to be reckoned with despite recent challenges.

Despite a rocky start to 2024, Van Gerwen showed signs of returning to form with an impressive 101.93 average and hitting 43.5 per cent of his doubles, setting up a tantalising second-round match against Joe Cullen. Van Gerwen has observed as Littler and world champ Luke Humphries have risen to become the sport's leading lights in recent months.

However, his emphatic victory over Littler allowed him to indulge in the emotion of the moment.

"I'm always emotional," confessed Van Gerwen during his press conference. "Especially after this win because there were a lot of stories about this game, I was not the favourite, I have been having a tough last six months and then to win games like this it does something with me - of course.

"But I only see it in a good way and in a positive way. It means that I still like what I do and it still does something for me, if it doesn't do anything for you anymore for me it's time to retire, I am not in that position yet and I wouldn't be in the next five, six, seven, eight or 10 years. I am going to keep annoying him.

"It's too early to say that I am back, it's a big statement but I am in a good way. Don't worry about me, I know what I am capable of and mentally.

"I am strong enough, but you have to keep digging, you have to keep grafting, you have to keep working and keep investing time in yourself otherwise you are never going to make it."

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