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.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Highlights of the Premier League quarter-final clash between Luke Littler and Van Veen
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.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
The moment Michael van Gerwen defeated Gian van Veen to win the opening night of the Premier League Darts season
“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,…
2026-02-05 22:45:00
