is in hot pursuit of a first since 2019 and the fourth of his career, but he was left grumbling over his third-round performance. MVG beat Brendan Dolan 4-2 with a 97.01 average to book a last-16 match against Jeffrey de Graaf tonight but displayed his high standards after the victory.

The Dutchman fell behind before clicking into gear and soaring into a 3-1 lead, leaving him on the brink of a routine win.

However, Dolan didn't go easily, pulling one set back before making Van Gerwen sweat as he missed a dart on the bull to force a decider.

The three-time world champion then snatched at the opportunity to put the Northern Irishman to bed, hitting a double eight to seal the deal.

But he was highly critical when reflecting on his performance in the aftermath, emphasising how laser-focused he is on glory at the Alexandra Palace this week.

"I wasn't steady enough. It could have been better in a lot of areas. Especially set five... I don't know what I was doing there, but that's just not allowed," a frustrated Van Gerwen explained.

"My preparation didn't go as well as I wanted. Then, I left a lot of things out. Can you imagine if I do throw a 100 per cent good match? I know it's in there.

"I have to show it. At phases, I played a good match, but here and there, it can still be polished."

Van Gerwen started his campaign with a comfortable 3-0 triumph over James Hurrell in round two, averaging 94.85.

So, he improved his scoring against Dolan in the next round but was clearly nowhere near the level he believes it will take to lift a fourth Sid Waddell Trophy.

Van Gerwen will be among the players licking their lips after world No. 1 and reigning champion Luke Humphries crashed out against Peter Wright last night.

If the Dutchman progresses past De Graaf, Robert Owen or Callan Rydz will await in the quarter-finals before a semi-final clash against Chris Dobey or Gerwyn Price.

He has had a widely inconsistent 2024 but has warned his doubters, insisting he knows what it will take to win the tournament again.

Van Gerwen added: "To win this tournament, you need to have some proper balls. Everyone knows that. As long as you keep standing close to yourself, anything is possible. Never underestimate me, simple.

"There's a lot more pressure, but that's more to how I've been performing in the last year. I've been putting pressure on my shoulders for the last 15 years but that's the way I am, how I perform and like to play.

"Sometimes, it didn't really help in the last year, but that's the way I play. I will never stop doing that."