Michael van Gerwen has enjoyed a terrific start to 2019.The Dutchman kicked off his year with his third PDC World Championship title, defeating Michael Smith 7-3 on New Years Day.Van Gerwen then won his fifth BetVictor Masters in a row, before winning the first Players Championship event of the season.He has also won both of his opening games to start the 2019 Premier League.And the world number one added another title to his name on Saturday as he won the third Players Championship event of the season.Van Gerwen beat Ryan Searle, Ross Smith, Jamie Hughes, Dimitri Van den Bergh, Gavin Carlin, Mervyn King and Ian White in Wigan.His day was eventful, to say the least.Van Gerwen has hit the headlines for his clash with Mervyn King during their semi-final clash, with the Dutchman branding his opponent a 'disgrace to darts'.Earlier on in the day, during his third round clash with Jamie Hughes, Van Gerwen hit a quite brilliant nine-darter.
With only one leg from victory, Van Gerwen ensured he would progress to the next round by going out in the least throws possible.However, his nine-darter was unorthodox to say the least.Van Gerwen did not hit a single 180; instead going opening with scores of 177 and 174.
He then took out 150 with 57,57,36.It really was brilliant from the three time World Champion and you can watch it below:
Van Gerwen conceded that he 'didn't play really well' after defeating Ian White in the final.
"I didn't really play well today so I was quite happy with my performance in the final," said Van Gerwen, per LiveDarts.
"You always need to be a bit critical to yourself.
"I made a few mistakes here and there but I also had some phenomenally good finishing.
"I can be proud of myself even with the pressure on me and not playing my absolute best, I did it today.
"Ian had a tough run today and he had some good finishes as well so I had to play well and I'm glad I won."
Unfortunately for Van Gerwen, he could not make it back-to-back Players Champions wins on Sunday.
The Dutchman was defeated 6-1 by Nathan Aspinall in the quarter-finals of PC4, with Glen Durrant going on to claim his maiden PDC title.