Luke Littler and Luke Humphries will renew their rivalry on Thursday as the 2026 BetMGM Premier League heads to Belgium for the first time.
The AFAS Dome in Antwerp will host a landmark evening on February 12, with 10,000 fans set to witness the world’s top two collide. Littler boasts a superb record on Belgian soil, having claimed back-to-back European Tour titles in Wieze and lifted last year’s Flanders Darts Trophy in Antwerp.
Their latest meeting comes just weeks after their epic Winmau World Masters final. Littler exited at the quarter-final stage on Night One in Newcastle but remains relaxed about his prospects.
“Every stage is different in my opinion,” claimed Littler.
“I’m not under any pressure and I don’t need to put pressure on myself.
“I know I lost to Gian on Night One, but last year I lost to Michael van Gerwen [on Night One] as well.
“There’s still 15 weeks left, so as long as I get into the top four, that’s all that matters.”
Seven-time champion Michael van Gerwen opened his campaign with victory in Newcastle and now faces Josh Rock. The Dutchman is determined to maintain momentum.
“The Premier League is always a rollercoaster, so you need to make sure you perform week after week,” he insisted.
“I’ve been in a position before when I won three nights in a row and then afterwards I played poorly, so I need to keep my focus and the momentum going.
“People know what I’m capable of. I don’t have to make statements. Everyone still wants to beat me, but more importantly I still want to beat them.
“There’s still a lot of room for improvement, so as long as I keep that in mind, anything is possible.”
Elsewhere, Gian van Veen meets Gerwyn Price, while Jonny Clayton faces Stephen Bunting in Thursday’s remaining quarter-finals.
Source: PDC.TV
