Van Gerwen reigns supreme with victory on Premier League opening night

Michael van Gerwen made a major statement as he won Night One of Premier League Darts 2026 with a 6-4 victory over Gian van Veen in the final.

In the all-Dutch final, it was Van Gerwen who looked the most comfortable throughout and the nightly win proved to be just a step too far for Van Veen on his debut night.

By moving up to world No 3 at the World Darts Championship, Van Veen took the Dutch No 1 tag from Van Gerwen, with ‘The Green Machine’ having to relinquish that tag for the first time in over a decade.

But, Van Gerwen made sure to remind everyone just why he held that position for so long.

Remarkably, Van Gerwen did not pick up a nightly win in the 2025 Premier League but made sure it was a perfect start in 2026 as he vowed to enjoy his darts.

“It’s definitely a good performance,” Van Gerwen told Sky Sports.

“Without playing my A-game, I still won it. I was steady and had some fantastic finishing at the right moments.

“I know I can do better but this gives you confidence. Winning games is the best medicine.

“I want to qualify for the play-offs but that is not my main priority. My main priority is the ranking tournaments.

“The Premier League is the second-biggest tournament for us but for me personally the ranking events are more important.

“But that doesn’t take away from this tournament and winning is never boring. I want consistency, which has been missing in my game.

“I want to enjoy myself and results will come.”

After Night One, Van Gerwen sits on top of the table on five points, with Van Veen second on three points, Jonny Clayton and Luke Humphries on two, then Gerwyn Price, Luke Littler, Stephen Bunting and Josh Rock on zero points.

Van Gerwen’s statement night on the toon

Van Gerwen had been in fine form all night and continued that with his fast start in the final, quickly picking up the first two legs with Van Veen on the back foot.

The ‘Giant’ managed to bring the score back to 2-2 but that did not faze the seven-time Premier League winner, who continued to outscore his opponent on the way to moving 4-2 ahead.

While not at his sensational best, Van Veen continued to battle and hold his throw, using his luck as Van Gerwen squandered three match darts from 5-3 up.

However, with the darts and time on his side, Van Gerwen found his power scoring once again and clinched D14 to put himself on top after just one week.

MVG was also in imperious fashion as he powered past reigning champion Luke Humphries for a comprehensive 6-2 victory in the semi-finals.

While Humphries struggled on the doubles, Van Gerwen showed him how it is done with a 104 checkout then 114 finish on tops to make sure he could take on his fellow Dutchman.

The ‘Green Machine’ had got his campaign off to a strong start with a 6-2 victory over Stephen Bunting.

After Bunting took a quick 2-0 lead, Van Gerwen took out a remarkable six legs on the spin to set up his clash with the world No 2.

Van Veen shines on PL debut

Van Veen opened his Premier League account with a dream debut as he got revenge over Luke Littler for the World Darts Championship.

Averaging in the mid-90s, the Dutch No1 broke Littler in the final leg by nailing D16 to seal his spot in the semi-finals.

An opening night loss is not new to ‘The Nuke’ though as he also suffered opening night quarter-final defeat in 2025 when he was beaten by Michael van Gerwen. However, in that match he averaged over 113.

Van Veen then clinched his spot in the final after battling through a tough 6-4 victory over Jonny Clayton.

The Dutchman was on top in the match after three breaks of throw but after missing a match dart, ‘The Ferrett’ fought back and brought the contest to 5-4.

However, Van Veen found his 180 hitting once again and made it count, taking out D16 for an 11-darter.

Elsewhere, in an enthralling opening contest in Newcastle, Clayton had made a statement return with a 6-2 victory over Josh Rock, averaging 110 and finding a 67 per cent checkout rate on the doubles to power past the debutante who averaged over 102.

Meanwhile, defending champion Humphries came through a nervy last-leg decider to secure a 6-5 victory over Gerwyn Price.

His 105 average helped him over the line and after missing his own match darts then surviving a match dart from the ‘Iceman’, Humphries booked his spot in the semis on D2.

Who will win this year’s Premier League Darts? Luke Humphries will be defending his title and you can watch the action every single Thursday from February until May on Sky Sports. Stream darts and more top sport with NOW.

Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: skynews.com