Sky Sports were forced to apologise after Michael van Gerwen swore during his TV interview after winning on night one of the Premier League. He initially began: “It’s a good start and without even playing my A performance I still won it. It was deadly. I did some fantastic finishes on the right moments, or whenever I had to perform on my own leg, I did it.
“That makes you win games. It’s simple. That’s how it is.” After being given the trophy by Wayne Mardle on stage, having not won an event last season, van Gerwen responded: “About f****** time I win something. Sorry! Sorry for the language.” Lead presenter Emma Paton then chimed in and added: “Apologies for the language you heard there.”
Van Gerwen had beaten Gian van Veen 6-4 in the final to win in Newcastle with it clear he was relieved having not won any nights in the 2025 Premier League. He averaged 97.81 in the final, helped by hitting six 180s and he was also fairly clinical on the doubles as he took out six of his 14 attempts.
It was somewhat of a surprise to see him performing so well having failed to impress at the World Masters late last month. Van Gerwen later referenced that in his interview and perhaps explained why he did struggle so much in Milton Keynes.
He said: “I had a lot of problems at the World Masters at the weekend. There’s still a lot to work at, I know I can do better than this, but this gives you confidence. Winning games is the best medicine to perform better. It’s always nice to respond well.
“In the Masters I had some issues at home so I had to deal with that, but to bounce back with a win means a lot to me. It’s a nice start and gives me confidence because it is going to be a long 16 weeks. Of course, I want to the league but that isn’t my main priority.
“The Premier League isn’t my main priority, either, that is ranking tournaments now so I always said after the World Championships that the Premier League is the second-biggest tournament for players, but for me personally the UK Open and the Matchplay is more important for me, but that doesn’t get away from the fact that I’m not coming here to not win.
“There’s still room for improvement and when you keep that in mind anything if possible. The consistency has been missing in my game recently, but I want to enjoy what I’m doing and if you enjoy it then the results come.”