The legendary Boxtel-born ace was in action in the final match of the day at London’s Alexandra Palace.
And at the oche he showed no signs of being shaken by delivering an average of 107 in his first set against Tabern.
However, the tongues of darts fans were sat wagging as Michael van Gerwen looked upset before the match.
Plenty believed the 29-year-old had been crying in the immediate build-up to his clash with Tabern.
“Michael Van Gerwen looks like he’s crying! compose yourself, you’re the champ!!” wrote one viewer on Twitter.
Another said: “Is Van Gerwen ok? The delay and the crying is weird…?”
A third piped up, saying: “Van Gerwen looks like he’s gonna cry wtf ???”
One fan sympathised with Van Gerwern, posting: “My wee hearts breaking for Micheal Van Gerwen, he looks so upset.”
A fifth pointed out all did not appear to be well, adding: “What’s happened to van gerwen? Looks upset.”
Van Gerwen looked emotional having had his walk-on postponed prior to the match so he could change his shirt.
And reporters at the venue quickly cleared up the confusion surrounding what had happened.
On Twitter, Express Sport’s Richard Lewis wrote: “Michael Van Gerwen forced to go and change shirt before walk on after drink thrown at him before his match at world champs…”
The Sun’s Rob Maul further clarified the situation, saying: “Michael van Gerwen’s first-round walk-on has been delayed.
“As he waited for his oche entrance a fan threw a drink over him. He has gone backstage to change his wet shirt.
“It appears beer was thrown over Van Gerwen and got in his eyes. It is understand the culprit was caught by security and has been chucked out.”
Video of the incident then circulated on Twitter, highlighting why Van Gerwen had every right to be shaken.