Michael van Gerwen admitted to battling personal battles as he claimed victory at the German Darts Grand Prix in Munich, producing a stunning nine-darter during his tournament run.
The three-time world champion secured his 38th European Tour title with an 8-5 win over fellow Dutchman Gian van Veen in Monday's final.
Van Gerwen's perfect leg came during his last-16 clash with Ryan Searle, where he earned a comprehensive 6-1 victory.
The title marks Van Gerwen's fourth German Darts Grand Prix crown.
Michael van Gerwen claimed victory in Munich after beating Gian van Veen in Monday's final
PA
The final saw a tight contest between the Dutch pair, with the score level at 5-5 before Van Gerwen pulled away.
The 35-year-old won three straight legs to clinch the victory in Munich.
Van Veen, 22, had impressed throughout the tournament, notably averaging 110.81 in his semi-final win over Luke Littler.
However, he couldn't maintain that form in the final as Van Gerwen broke early and never trailed.
This victory marks Van Gerwen's first European Tour title of 2025.
Teenage sensation Luke Littler reached the semi-finals before falling to a 7-4 defeat against Van Veen.
Littler had earlier beaten Joe Cullen 6-3 in the last-16, scoring a spectacular 170 checkout during that victory.
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He then overcame Peter Wright in a tense quarter-final, edging a 6-5 win.
The world champion had shown resilience against Van Veen, coming back from 3-0 down to lead 4-3.
However, Van Veen responded emphatically, taking the next four legs to advance to the final.
Van Gerwen expressed deep emotion about his victory, saying: "It definitely means a lot to me. We all know where I'm coming from. I've been battling my own battles lately."
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Michael van Gerwen has admitted to struggling in recent weeks
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"To win this tournament means the world to me," the world No 3 added.
He admitted to struggling recently: "The last few weeks I'm playing poorly, I didn't do what I could."
"I needed this. I really needed this," Van Gerwen confessed, highlighting the significance of his triumph after a difficult period.
Van Gerwen's route to the title showcased his exceptional form throughout the tournament.
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VAN GERWEN WINS ET4! 🏆
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) April 21, 2025
Michael van Gerwen produces excellence once again this evening, as he wins his fourth German Darts Grand Prix title, and his 38th European Tour title, as he beats Gian van Veen 8-5!
📺 https://t.co/YyBPPwoMK8#ET4 pic.twitter.com/7GwRMqvdeG
After his nine-darter against Searle, he defeated Ryan Joyce 6-4 in the quarter-finals.
The Dutchman was particularly impressive with his finishing against Joyce, going 6/6 on doubles.
He then secured his place in the final with a commanding 7-2 win over Josh Rock in the semi-finals.
Van Gerwen averaged over 100 in his three matches leading up to the final, including 104.37 against Rock.
