Michael van Gerwen issues X-rated message in Luke Littler and Luke Humphries warning

has pointed out that he still poses a threat to his rivals even though he is playing 's**t'.

Tournament victories have been few and far between for 'Mighty Mike' this year. Normally such a prolific winner on tour, the Dutchman has had to make do with a handful of morale-boosting titles in Players Championships, on the European Tour and at World Series of Darts events.

and are broadly seen as the two men to beat. And the pair, who contested the final in January, are once again expected to be there or thereabouts at the Grand Slam of Darts this week.

But Van Gerwen is keen not to be forgotten. The 35-year-old is still near the very top of the world rankings which, he says, is proof of how high his standards usually are, given that he is currently struggling for form.

"Even though I'm playing s**t, at this moment I'm number three," he said on Saturday evening. "After the worlds, number two. And I'm playing c**p. How good is that? Do you know what I mean? Then you know how good my standard is normally."

Littler and Humphries could be in trouble if Van Gerwen puts his troubling form behind him in Wolverhampton to claim the tournament he won three times on the trot between 2015 and 2017.

"I know I always put a lot of pressure on my own shoulders, and everyone else does as well," added Van Gerwen. "But that's part of the game. You have to take it and enjoy the ride you're on."

Van Gerwen spoke after making a dominant start to his Grand Slam of Darts campaign against Noa-Lynn van Leuven. The three-time world champion 5-0 in Wolverhampton, putting him in a healthy position ahead of upcoming group clashes with Gary Anderson and Ryan Joyce.

Littler made a statement of his own, averaging a dizzying 112.16 against Keane Barry to thrash the Irishman 5-0. The 17-year-old will be eager to add the Grand Slam to his trophy cabinet after taking the PDC by storm in his debut season as a senior pro.

Meanwhile reigning world champion Humphries had a rough night against Rowby-John Rodriguez, who was lethal on the doubles to notch a surprise 5-3 victory and pile the pressure on 'Cool Hand' heading into his two remaining group games.