The BetMGM Premier League Darts arrives in Glasgow for Night Three, promising thrilling action with a significant twist. Reigning champion of Night Two, Gerwyn Price, is poised to continue his dominant run, aiming for a remarkable second consecutive victory. However, the biggest news is the unexpected withdrawal of current league leader Michael van Gerwen due to illness, shaking up the night’s matchups and opening the door for other contenders like Luke Littler and Luke Humphries to make their mark. Expect intense battles and strategic play as the race for the top four intensifies.
Price Aims for Double Glory Amidst MVG’s Absence
Fresh off his emphatic victory in Antwerp, Welsh darts sensation Gerwyn Price is looking to replicate his success in Glasgow. He kicks off his campaign against his World Cup partner, Jonny Clayton, in what promises to be a fiery all-Welsh encounter. Price’s form has been exceptional, averaging over 104 in his Night Two triumph where he defeated Gian van Veen and Clayton.
Price, who has won his last ten meetings against Clayton, expressed confidence: “This week I’ll be even more relaxed and hopefully I can play even better. In patches I’m probably playing the best I’ve ever played, but so is everybody else. I think the fact the two Lukes are playing so well has probably kicked us up the backside a bit. I am practising more than ever now, and it’s paying off.”
Van Gerwen Out: A Game-Changer for Night Three
The biggest story heading into Night Three is the withdrawal of Michael van Gerwen (MVG) due to illness. Van Gerwen, who holds a three-point lead at the top of the Premier League table after reaching successive finals, was originally scheduled for a highly anticipated clash with World Champion Luke Littler. His absence means a reshuffle in the draw, creating new opportunities for other players.
This development significantly alters the dynamics of the tournament, especially for players like Littler who now face a different path to the semi-finals.
Littler and Humphries: Ready to Capitalize
Luke Littler, the teenage sensation, will be keen to build on his first victory of the season, a deciding-leg win over reigning Premier League champion Luke Humphries. Littler showcased his immense talent by averaging 105 to overturn a 5-4 deficit against Humphries.
Luke Humphries, the world number two, is also in red-hot form. He recently claimed his first ranking title of 2024 at Players Championship Four, registering six consecutive averages over 100 in the process. Humphries will be looking to carry that momentum into his match against Josh Rock, who is still seeking his first points of the season after consecutive 6-2 defeats.
Humphries shared his positive outlook: “I’m feeling really good about my game. Last week was a setback missing those doubles to beat Luke, but the new equipment is still going well. It gives me a lot of confidence because it’s the first tournament I’ve won in a long time. There’s going to be a lot of graft this year, but if I keep playing like this then the rewards will come.”
Other Key Battles and the Premier League Format
The evening’s other quarter-final match features former Masters champion Stephen Bunting against Night One runner-up Gian van Veen. Bunting is eager to secure his first points after surrendering a 4-0 lead on Night Two, while Van Veen, despite a missed match dart against Price last week, sits impressively in fourth place in the standings.
Understanding the Premier League Format:
- Eight of darts’ biggest names compete across 16 mini-events throughout the season.
- Each league night consists of quarter-finals, semi-finals, and a final, all played over the best of 11 legs.
- Ranking points are awarded each night:
- Five points to the winner.
- Three points to the runner-up.
- Two points to the semi-finalists.
- These points form a league table, and the top four players will advance to Finals Night at The O2 in London on Thursday, May 28.
Night Three Fixtures in Glasgow
Here’s a look at the highly anticipated matchups for Thursday, February 19, at the OVO Hydro:
Quarter-Finals:
- Stephen Bunting v Gian van Veen
- Luke Humphries v Josh Rock
- Jonny Clayton v Gerwyn Price
Due to Michael van Gerwen’s withdrawal, the original fixture against Luke Littler will be impacted. Details of the revised match or bye for Littler will be confirmed.
Semi-Finals (Original pairings, subject to change):
- Winner of Bunting/Van Veen v Winner of Humphries/Rock
- Winner of (Adjusted MVG/Littler match) v Winner of Clayton/Price
The BetMGM Premier League continues to deliver high-stakes drama, and Night Three in Glasgow is set to be another unforgettable chapter in the race for darts supremacy.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
