Michael van Gerwen’s hopes of reaching the Premier League Darts playoffs came to an end after a 6-2 defeat to Nathan Aspinall in Sheffield. The Dutchman, a seven-time Premier League champion, entered the final night needing a victory to stay in the race for the playoffs but was unable to deliver, marking only the second time in 13 years that he has failed to qualify for the finals night. This result underlines a significant shift in the sport, with Van Gerwen no longer dominating as he once did, now trailing behind emerging stars like Luke Littler and Luke Humphries.
Aspinall’s victory was crucial, securing him a spot in the top four and completing the lineup for the upcoming playoffs at the O2 in London. Aspinall’s win also set up a semi-final clash against Humphries, showcasing the rising competition at the highest level of darts.
The evening also saw Luke Littler claim a record-breaking sixth nightly win of the season with a 6-3 victory over Luke Humphries in the fifth final between the two during this campaign. Littler’s performance was historic as he posted a record points tally of 45, the highest ever recorded in this format of the Premier League. Littler’s dominance this season has been clear, and he remains a strong favorite heading into the playoffs.
Littler expressed confidence following his win, describing the season as a warm-up and showing eagerness for the next challenge. “It’s been tough, it’s a tough format but I’ve got myself through. I’m happy to be top. I’m ready for the semi-final, it’s the O2, I have won a semi-final before, I’m looking forward to it,” he said. His remarks reflect both his competitive spirit and his readiness to tackle the pressure of the playoffs.
Another notable match featured Gerwyn Price, who lost narrowly to Chris Dobey 6-5 after surrendering a 4-1 lead. This defeat saw Price drop to fourth place in the standings, complicating his playoff prospects. Dobey’s victory boosted his position but was not enough to secure a top-four finish.
The playoff lineup now includes Nathan Aspinall, Luke Littler, Luke Humphries, and Gerwyn Price, with these four set to battle for the title at the O2. The semi-finals promise to be intense, with Littler set to face Price and Aspinall going up against Humphries. These matchups highlight the current competitive balance in the sport, where several players have the potential to claim the championship.
Meanwhile, some big names are exiting the tournament, including Van Gerwen, Rob Cross, Stephen Bunting, and Chris Dobey. Their departures mark the end of this year’s Premier League journey and signal a shift in the landscape of professional darts.
Van Gerwen’s exit, in particular, is a reminder that the era of his dominance may be waning. Once the sport’s leading figure, his struggles this season reflect the emergence of new talent and the increasingly competitive nature of the Premier League. The success of younger players like Littler and Humphries suggests a changing of the guard, with the future of darts looking bright and dynamic.
As the playoffs approach, the focus will turn to the semi-finals at the O2, where the remaining four players will compete for a chance to lift the Premier League trophy. The recent results have set the stage for an exciting conclusion to the season, with fresh faces and established stars battling for glory in one of darts’ most prestigious tournaments.
