ECSTATIC Michael van Gerwen heads off for arm surgery on Tuesday after winning a record-equalling sixth Premier League crown.
The Dutchman, 33, survived a match dart to KO heartbroken Joe Cullen 11-10 in the Playoffs in Berlin and equalled the 10-year-old tally of triumphs set by Phil Taylor.
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Mighty Mike banked the £275,000 winners’ cheque – to add to his £30,000 league format win bonus – and also ended an 18-month drought for major titles.
He will now undergo an op to cure Carpal tunnel syndrome in his throwing arm, which will see him miss seven weeks of darts.
Van Gerwen said: “This is emotional, I had to play well. In Copenhagen last week I underperformed and didn’t play my best.
“My focus was on this tournament. Jonny was the favourite but then Joe Cullen beat him and has been playing phenomenally. I knew I had to fight.
“It wasn’t easy. I could have made it easier. What a day.
“Of course the drought has hurt me. I know what I am capable of.
“I’m going for more. This was on my bucket list. To do this in Berlin is amazing.
“Normally we play the finals at the O2 in London but the crowd here have been absolutely sensational. The sport is going in the right direction.
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“For me personally, I have gone through a tough time. To win this title, it means a lot to me. I’m a happy man.”
Cullen, who was making his debut season in the Prem, broke down in tears after seeing the title slip through his grasp in front of 11,000 Germans.
The Yorkshireman said: “This is definitely tough, I’m gutted, absolutely gutted.
“It sounds trivial but everything stood on that second leg, missing three darts at 32, that cost me.
“This is a game of fine margins. Michael is a fantastic player and a fantastic champion.
“I’m absolutely gutted. I’d like to say there is a nice consolation, but there is not.
“I’m absolutely devastated, I cannot believe I lost that. Michael is a fantastic champion.”