For the first time ever, the Premier League Darts arrived on Belgian soil, and it was Gerwyn Price, ‘The Iceman’, who emerged victorious in Antwerp’s AFAS Dome. He defeated arch-rival Michael van Gerwen in a thrilling final, securing five crucial points and a £10,000 prize. This landmark event not only added a new chapter to Premier League history but also marked Price’s second major triumph in Belgium.
A Groundbreaking Night in Antwerp
Antwerp played host to a truly historic Premier League Darts event, as the sport’s elite battled it out in front of an enthusiastic Belgian crowd. From the very first dart thrown, the evening delivered high drama, stunning athleticism, and unexpected twists.
Opening Battles: Brilliance and Brutality
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Littler vs. Humphries: A Clash of Titans
The night kicked off with an electrifying encounter between rising star Luke Littler and reigning World Champion Luke Humphries. This highly anticipated match lived up to the hype, showcasing eleven legs of incredible quality. Both players registered seven maximums (180s), demonstrating pinpoint accuracy and relentless scoring. However, it was Littler’s nerves of steel that proved decisive; Humphries faltered on crucial match darts, while Littler remained composed to secure the win. -
Van Gerwen vs. Rock: An Uncharacteristic Struggle
Next up was a match that promised fireworks: Michael van Gerwen against Josh Rock. Yet, what unfolded was surprisingly scrappy. Both players struggled with their form, but Rock appeared particularly out of sorts. Despite an uncharacteristically low average (below 90), Van Gerwen’s experience shone through, allowing him to grind out an effective, albeit unpolished, victory. The Dutchman managed to secure the win with a significant ten-point average advantage by the end. -
Bunting’s Unfortunate Déjà Vu
Stephen Bunting, often the Premier League’s ‘tragic romantic’, faced Jonny Clayton. In a cruel twist of fate, Bunting found himself in a familiar, heartbreaking situation. After building a commanding 4-0 lead, he suffered a dramatic collapse, conceding six consecutive legs to lose 6-4. This mirrored his previous week’s performance in Newcastle, where he also squandered a 2-0 advantage against Van Gerwen. The pattern is concerning, but perhaps a dominant 6-0 lead in Glasgow could finally break the spell!
Semi-Final Showdowns: The Stakes Get Higher
The semi-finals intensified the competition, setting the stage for the evening’s grand finale.
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Van Gerwen Dethrones Littler
Luke Littler, fresh from his brilliant opening performance, seemed poised to dispatch an underperforming Michael van Gerwen. The story almost wrote itself. However, Van Gerwen, often called ‘The Green Machine’, tore up the script. He dramatically improved his game, suffocating Littler’s challenge and securing his place in the final for the second consecutive week. -
Price Edges Out Clayton in Welsh Derby
The other semi-final featured an all-Welsh clash between Gerwyn Price and Jonny Clayton – a true ‘Valleys derby’ filled with personal history. This gripping encounter went down to a dramatic last-leg shootout. Price showcased his clutch ability, breaking Clayton’s throw at the critical moment to advance. This continued Clayton’s frustrating run when facing his compatriot.
The Grand Finale: Price vs. Van Gerwen
The final pitted two of darts’ biggest names against each other: Michael van Gerwen and Gerwyn Price. Just days prior, Price had delivered a stunning performance on the Players Championship circuit, whitewashing Van Gerwen with an incredible 117 average. Revenge was undoubtedly on Van Gerwen’s mind.
The final started evenly, with both players sharing the first four legs. However, ‘The Iceman’ then accelerated with clinical ferocity and impeccable finishing. His relentless scoring put immense pressure on Van Gerwen, and Price ultimately conquered Antwerp with a dominant display.
Price’s Belgian Conquest Continues
This victory adds another significant achievement to Gerwyn Price’s career. In 2020, he lifted the Euro Tour trophy on Belgian soil in Hasselt. Now, Antwerp joins his growing list of Flemish conquests. The Premier League Darts now moves on to Glasgow, where the battle for playoff spots will continue to heat up.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
