Michael van Gerwen has stormed to victory in the opening night of the Premier League Darts tournament in Newcastle, securing a hard-fought 6-4 win over debutant Gian van Veen in an all-Dutch final. The triumph propels Van Gerwen to the top of the early standings, two points clear of his compatriot, and signals a resurgent start after what he described as a "very crap" 2025 campaign.
Van Gerwen's Path to Victory
Van Gerwen, a seven-time Premier League champion, showcased his enduring class and mental fortitude throughout the evening. He eased into the final four with a commanding 6-2 quarter-final victory over Stephen Bunting, rallying from an early 2-0 deficit to win six successive legs. In the semi-finals, he faced world number two Luke Humphries, who had narrowly edged past Gerwyn Price 6-5. Van Gerwen pulled away in a tight contest, sealing his place in the final with a impressive 114 checkout.
A Strong Statement of Intent
Reflecting on his performance, Van Gerwen expressed satisfaction with his ability to deliver at crucial moments. "I think I did OK. Of course I know exactly what I did, I played the first game OK. After that I did everything at the right moments, whether it was finishing or the scoring," he said. "Whenever I had to do well, I did well and that makes you win games. Of course winning the points, that's the most important thing in the Premier League, winning points."
The Dutchman emphasised his renewed confidence and determination. "Mentally, I'm strong and I know what I'm capable of. As long as you keep on your own ability and performances, I know I'm capable of doing this," Van Gerwen stated. "Last year I had a very crap Premier League, if I can say that. As long as you keep believing your own ability anything is possible. I'm going to give it a go, I'm going to challenge anything that comes in my path. I want to beat them, simple as that."
Van Veen's Stunning Debut Run
Gian van Veen, making his Premier League debut, delivered a remarkable performance to reach the final. His journey began with a stunning quarter-final upset against world champion Luke Littler, in a rematch of this year's World Championship final where Littler had emerged victorious. Van Veen battled to a 6-4 victory over the world number one, with a cagey final leg seeing him hold his nerve after both players missed opportunities to clinch the win.
Victory set up a semi-final meeting with 2021 Premier League champion Jonny Clayton, who had averaged 109.81 in beating fellow debutant Josh Rock 6-2 in the opening match of the night. Van Veen struggled slightly on the outer ring early in the semi-final, but in the final leg he threw an 11-darter and finished with a 42 checkout to win 6-4, booking his spot in his maiden Premier League final.
A Competitive Final Showdown
In the final, Van Gerwen raced ahead to take a 3-1 lead, but Van Veen put up a spirited fight and remained close behind the world number four throughout. With a 5-4 advantage, Van Gerwen was able to hit double 14 to win the match 6-4 and open this year's Premier League campaign with victory.
Van Gerwen highlighted the importance of momentum in the long tournament ahead. "It's a very long route, but winning games is the best medicine for your form and everything," he said. "As long as you keep battling your own battles, winning games, you get confidence then anything is possible."
The result sets the stage for an intriguing Premier League season, with Van Gerwen looking to reclaim his dominance and newcomers like Van Veen proving they can compete at the highest level.
