Michael van Gerwen has acknowledged that Gary Anderson's status as PDC world champion has forced him to produce better darts against the Scot.

The world number averaged 117.94 in defeating Anderson to win the German Darts Championship last weekend to extend his recent run to 31 wins from 32 contests, but the Dutchman has indicated that complacency won't be setting into his game.

The 25-year-old is quoted by the Daily Record as saying: "I played very well in Germany, especially against Gary.

"Gary has shown why he is the world champion and, if he is in the right shape, you have to reach that level of high performance to beat him.

"I am very happy with the way the tournament ended and winning another title is brilliant, but I hope there are many more wins to come."

Van Gerwen and Anderson will meet for the second time in the space of a week when clashing in the Premier League in Liverpool on Thursday night.