Van Gerwen Opens Premier League Campaign with Night One Win in Newcastle
Michael van Gerwen opened his 2026 BetMGM Premier League campaign with a Night One victory in Newcastle, defeating Gian van Veen in Thursday’s final at the Utilita Arena.
The seven-time Premier League champion produced a composed and clinical display across the evening, navigating quarter-final and semi-final victories before sealing the title in an all-Dutch decider.
Quarter-Finals
Night One opened in impressive fashion, setting a high benchmark from the outset at the Utilita Arena.
Jonny Clayton marked his return to the Premier League with a commanding 6-2 victory over Josh Rock in the opening match of the night, producing a controlled performance and averaging 109.81 to progress.
Gian van Veen followed with a composed 6-4 win over world champion Luke Littler. The Dutch debutant showed maturity under pressure, holding firm in key legs to avenge his World Championship final defeat and book a place in the semi-finals.
Defending champion Luke Humphries edged past Gerwyn Price in a deciding-leg contest of the highest quality. Humphries survived two match darts and averaged over 104 in a performance built on resilience and scoring depth.
Michael van Gerwen completed the quarter-final line-up with a measured 6-2 victory over Stephen Bunting. After a balanced opening, the seven-time Premier League champion imposed himself decisively, winning six consecutive legs to close out the contest.
2026 BetMGM Premier League
Night One - Utilita Arena, Newcastle
Thursday February 5
Quarter-Finals
Jonny Clayton 6-2 Josh Rock
Gian van Veen 6-4 Luke Littler
Luke Humphries 6-5 Gerwyn Price
Michael van Gerwen 6-2 Stephen Bunting
Semi-Finals
Gian van Veen continued his impressive debut with a composed 6-4 victory over Jonny Clayton. The Dutchman timed his scoring and finishing effectively in the closing stages to secure his place in the Night One final.
Michael van Gerwen followed with a controlled 6-2 win over defending champion Luke Humphries. Converting six of eight attempts at double, the seven-time Premier League champion closed the contest with consecutive ton-plus finishes to book his place in the showpiece.
Semi-Finals
Gian van Veen 6-4 Jonny Clayton
Michael van Gerwen 6-2 Luke Humphries
Final
Michael van Gerwen 6-4 Gian van Veen
The final began with Van Gerwen in complete control, racing into a 2-0 lead in just 28 darts. Van Veen responded with discipline, punishing missed chances and applying pressure to remain in contention.
A 110 checkout reduced the deficit to 4-3, but Van Gerwen’s experience proved decisive. After missing opportunities to close out the match in leg nine, he regrouped immediately, following up a sixth maximum by pinning double 14 to seal a 6-4 victory.
Night One – Key Insights:
180’s: 44
Highest Average – 109.81 (Jonny Clayton)
Hightest Out : 117 (Michael van Gerwen)
A performance built on control, experience and execution under pressure, Van Gerwen’s Night One triumph establishes the standard early in the 2026 BetMGM Premier League campaign. Attention now turns to Antwerp, where Night Two awaits next week and we’ll be back with full highlights.
Night Two - AFAS Dome, Antwerp
Thursday February 12
Quarter-Finals
Luke Littler v Luke Humphries
Michael van Gerwen v Josh Rock
Jonny Clayton v Stephen Bunting
Gerwyn Price v Gian van Veen
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