Michael van Gerwen has officially withdrawn from the Premier League Darts event in Berlin due to a shoulder injury, just moments before the action was set to commence on April 3, 2025. The Dutch darts star was scheduled to face off against Welshman Gerwyn Price in the quarter-finals at the Uber Arena, but his unfortunate condition has put a halt to his participation.
Van Gerwen, a three-time world champion, was currently sitting in third place in the Premier League standings with 13 points, following a strong season where he had won seven matches. However, he has yet to secure a victory on any of the individual nights so far, which has put additional pressure on his quest for a playoff spot.
In a statement released by the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC), it was confirmed that Van Gerwen had hoped to maintain his positive trajectory in the Premier League, particularly given his previous successes at the Uber Arena, including victories in the 2022 Play-Offs and last season's league night. However, the shoulder injury has forced him to withdraw, leaving fans disappointed and raising questions about his immediate future in the sport.
The withdrawal means that Gerwyn Price will receive a bye to the semi-finals, automatically earning him two league points and a +1 leg difference. This unexpected turn of events allows Price to leapfrog Van Gerwen in the standings, as he now sits in third place with 14 points, just ahead of Van Gerwen.
Price, who has also been nursing an injury of his own, expressed mixed feelings about the situation. He had been looking forward to the match against Van Gerwen, stating, "I've been struggling with a bit of an injury over the last week, and it's still not 100%. It was nice to get another win on the ProTour this week, and this gives me a good confidence boost going into the Premier League on Thursday." Price also reflected on a recent encounter with Van Gerwen, recalling, "I was 4-1 up against Michael on the European Tour the other week and I lost 6-4. It doesn’t matter how well you’re playing, these players can come back and beat you, so I need to be at the top of my game."
As a result of Van Gerwen's absence, the dynamics of the Premier League standings have shifted significantly. Luke Littler currently leads the table with an impressive 26 points and four nightly wins, followed by Luke Humphries in second place with 18 points. With Price now in third, the competition for the top four playoff spots is heating up, particularly with Rob Cross and Nathan Aspinall closely trailing in the standings.
Van Gerwen's withdrawal not only affects his position in the Premier League but also means he will miss this weekend's European Tour event, the Elten Safety Shoes International Darts Open, taking place in Riesa, Germany. This is a significant setback for the Dutchman, who is looking to maximize his ranking points as the season progresses.
Commenting on the situation, former darts player Mark Webster expressed his disappointment for Van Gerwen, saying, "Really disappointing for Michael. I hope it's nothing serious, that he gets sufficient rest and he's back in Manchester next week." Wayne Mardle, another pundit, added, "Don't think Gerwyn Price is not happy about this. You do not want to play Michael van Gerwen. He gets good vibes from this place. Unfortunately, it's gone south for him today."
With the Premier League playoffs approaching, every match counts, and Van Gerwen's injury could prove critical in determining the final standings. As the competition continues, all eyes will be on the remaining players as they vie for the coveted top four spots that will lead to the playoffs at The O2 in London on May 29, 2025.
As for the matches that proceeded without Van Gerwen, Stephen Bunting clinched his first Premier League win in a decade by defeating Nathan Aspinall, while Luke Humphries triumphed over Rob Cross. The night culminated in an exciting final where Bunting faced Price, eventually winning 6-5 in a nail-biting finish. This unexpected victory for Bunting has added an intriguing twist to the ongoing Premier League narrative.
As the dust settles on this dramatic night in Berlin, the implications of Van Gerwen's withdrawal will ripple through the league, prompting questions about his recovery and future performances. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the Premier League Darts season unfolds, with the stakes now higher than ever.
