MICHAEL VAN GERWEN has withdrawn just minutes before tonight’s Premier League Darts in Berlin due to injury.
The Dutch ace has hurt his shoulder in the build-up to this evening’s event.
PAMichael van Gerwen has withdrawn from tonight’s Premier League Darts event[/caption]
Van Gerwen had been due to play Gerwyn Price in the quarters.
But his exit, coming just 20 minutes before the show started, means the Welshman has received a bye to the semis.
And it’s there where Price could meet leader Luke Littler, who faces Chris Dobey in his last-eight fixture.
Price has proven to be a thorn in the side of the 18-year-old world champion, winning their last six previous encounters.
As for Van Gerwen, he will be unable to add to his total Premier League points tally of 13.
The Dutchman is currently third in the table having won seven matches so far.
But Van Gerwen is yet to clinch victory on any of the nights so far.
His injury means he will also miss this weekend’s European Tour event in Riesa.
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Premier League Darts 2025: Dates and venues
Night 1 – Belfast: Humphries beat Dobey 6-1
Night 2 – Glasgow: Littler beat Humphries 6-5
Night 3 – Dublin: Price beat Aspinall 6-3
Night 4 – Exeter: Humphries beat Littler 6-4
Night 5 – Brighton: Littler beat Aspinall 6-3
Night 6 – Nottingham: Price beat Littler 6-3
Night 7 – Cardiff: Littler beat Van Gerwen 6-4
Night 8 – Newcastle: Littler beat Humphries 6-1
Night 9 – Uber Arena, Berlin – Thursday April 3
Night 10 – AO Arena, Manchester – Thursday April 10
Night 11 – Rotterdam Ahoy, Rotterdam – Thursday April 17
Night 12 – M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool – Thursday April 24
Night 13 – Utilita Arena, Birmingham, Thursday May 1
Night 14 – First Direct Arena, Leeds – Thursday May 8
Night 15 – P&J Live, Aberdeen – Thursday May 15
Night 16 – Utilita Arena, Sheffield – Thursday May 22
Play-Offs – The O2, London – Thursday May 29
Reacting to the news, pundit Mark Webster said: “I’m really disappointed for Michael.
“I hope he gets sufficient rest and is back in Manchester next week.
I hope it’s not long term.”
Commentator Wayne Mardle 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.
“Price would love another crack at Luke Littler if he gets past Chris Dobey. He’ll be chuffed, it puts him now on 14 points.”
Earlier this week, Van Gerwen rubbished talk of darts rival Price moving into boxing for a shock fight against YouTuber Jake Paul.
Van Gerwen said: “What a ridiculous thing. I don’t like it. I don’t see that fight happening at all.
“Why would Jake Paul care about someone like Gerwyn Price? “No chance, not now, maybe not ever.”
Elsewhere tonight, Nathan Aspinall will face Stephen Bunting in their quarter final.
While Luke Humphries and Rob Cross will collide in the remaining tie.
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