In a truly astonishing night of Premier League Darts, Michael van Gerwen delivered a performance of unparalleled brilliance, yet paradoxically, walked away empty-handed. He set a new record for the highest losing average in the 2026 Premier League, boasting an incredible 107.54, and astonishingly hit 14 maximum 180s across just 20 legs. This rare feat highlights how even peak individual performance doesn’t always guarantee victory in the unpredictable world of darts. Meanwhile, fellow player Gian van Veen revealed he’s competing with new darts, addressing previous grip issues to enhance his game.
The Unbelievable Loss: Van Gerwen’s Darts Masterclass
Darts fans witnessed a night that will be talked about for seasons to come. Dutch sensation Michael van Gerwen, known for his dominant performances, found himself in an extraordinary situation. Despite playing some of his best darts, he ultimately lost his match, making headlines for all the wrong reasons – or perhaps, for the most impressively wrong reasons.
Van Gerwen recorded the highest losing average ever seen in the 2026 Premier League: a staggering 107.54. To put this into perspective, an average over 100 is considered elite, indicative of consistent, high-scoring play. To achieve such a figure and still lose is a testament to the incredibly high standard of his opponent, or perhaps a few crucial missed doubles at the wrong time.
Adding to the spectacle, “Mighty Mike” also hammered in 14 maximum 180s within a mere 20 legs. This means, on average, he hit a 180 in 70% of the legs he played, showcasing exceptional power scoring and pinpoint accuracy. It’s a statistic that usually belongs to a dominant winner, not a defeated player.
Premier League’s Highest Losing Averages (2026 Season):
- 107.54 – Michael van Gerwen (Netherlands)
- 107.47 – Stephen Bunting (England)
- 107.44 – Jonny Clayton (Wales)
- 106.66 – Stephen Bunting (England)
- 106.29 – Luke Humphries (England)
As this list demonstrates, Van Gerwen’s performance stands out, even among other incredible losing efforts. It underscores the fine margins at the elite level of darts, where a single dart can change the outcome of a match.
Gian van Veen’s Equipment Switch: A Quest for Perfection
In other news from the Premier League Darts event in Liverpool, rising star Gian van Veen revealed a significant change to his setup. Van Veen has adopted new darts, specifically addressing issues he encountered last year with his grip.
For a professional darts player, the grip on their darts is paramount. It’s the primary point of contact and control, directly influencing accuracy and consistency. A comfortable and reliable grip allows a player to throw with confidence and repeatability. Struggling with a grip can severely impact a player’s form, leading to inconsistent release and missed targets.
This decision to switch equipment highlights a player’s dedication to continuous improvement and fine-tuning their game. By proactively addressing a technical issue like grip, Van Veen aims to eliminate any potential hindrances and optimize his performance on the oche.
Source: Based on an article from News – Dartsnieuws.com.
