Michael van Gerwen launched his 2026 BetMGM Premier League campaign in style on Thursday night, defeating fellow Dutchman Gian van Veen to claim Night One honours at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena and take an early step towards a record-extending eighth title.
The seven-time Premier League champion, who failed to record a nightly win in last year’s competition, showed his intent from the outset. Van Gerwen opened the night with emphatic 6-2 victories over Stephen Bunting and reigning champion Luke Humphries, producing six consecutive legs against Bunting before dispatching Humphries with clinical finishing, converting six of his eight darts at double.
In the final, Van Gerwen surged into an early lead before Van Veen mounted a spirited response, briefly threatening to turn the contest. However, the three-time World Champion regained control, firing in a sixth maximum before pinning double 14 to seal the win. Reflecting on his performance, Van Gerwen said: “Without playing my A-game I still won, but I had some fantastic finishes at the right moments.” He added: “Winning games is the best medicine for performing better… to bounce back with a win here in Newcastle, it means a lot to me.”
Despite falling short in the final, Van Veen enjoyed an impressive Premier League debut, defeating Luke Littler and Jonny Clayton en route to the showpiece. Clayton also made a strong return to the competition earlier in the evening, averaging 109.81 in a convincing win over Josh Rock.
Humphries began his title defence with a dramatic deciding-leg victory over Gerwyn Price, surviving two match darts despite averaging over 104.
Attention now turns to Night Two in Antwerp next Thursday, where Littler and Humphries will collide in the opener, and Van Gerwen faces Rock as the Premier League heads to Belgium.
Source: PDC.TV
