Michael van Gerwen offers 19-word reaction after losing to Luke Littler in final

has insisted that reaching the final in Birmingham is "a step in the right direction" despite losing 6-4 to . Van Gerwen held a 3-1 lead and looked on course to claim a first nightly win of the season, only for the reigning champion to storm back to victory.

Van Gerwen is yet to win a single night in the competition and has underwhelmed by his lofty expectations since reaching the final in January. He has , but his form at the oche has dipped significantly. He needed eight match to beat in the semi-finals but reacted by breaking Littler in the very first leg, only for the teenager to stage a comeback and for any future meetings.

But the Dutchman has taken the positives from his run to the final, posting a series of photos on Instagram with the caption: "Not the end I hoped for, but definitely a step in the right direction. Birmingham, thanks for the support!"

His victories over Price and got Van Gerwen back in the top four, where he will need to remain at the end of the next three Premier League nights in order to book a place at The O2 play-offs. He is just one point ahead of .

Just the week prior, Van Gerwen hit in Munich. The three-time world champion sealed his first European Tour title of the year, the 38th of his career, while producing a perfect leg against Ryan Searle.

The world No. 3 is convinced he can turn his season around and book a place at The O2 on May 29, telling last month: "Until a few weeks ago I think I played some lovely games with some good averages. Only this [neck injury] didn't really help. But it is what it is.

"You have to deal with the circumstances and I need to make sure I'm on top of things and I still have the fire in my belly. And it still does something to me.

"The anger is still there when you don't perform 100 per cent. I think that's a good thing, still a lot to fight and to work for.

"It's not the most pleasant moment in my career, if you look at that perspective. But I never give up. I'm going to fight for everything. And I know it's still there.

"I know the challenge, you don't lose that, you know what I mean? But of course, you need to keep hold of your own belief. And as long as you can do that, I think there's still a lot possible.

"I need to come up with an answer - quick, because the Premier League doesn't wait for anyone. You have to move on. I still believe I can make the top four, 100 per cent. But you have to perform, you have to win points and that's the only thing you can do."