"A step in the right direction" - Michael van Gerwen takes the positives from Premier League Darts final defeat to Luke Littler in Birmingham

Michael van Gerwen’s quest for a first nightly title in the 2025 Premier League Darts season continued on Thursday, as the Dutchman fell just short once again. The 36-year-old was edged out 6-4 by teenage star Luke Littler in the final on Night 13 of the competition, extending his run without a nightly win this year.

Van Gerwen had impressed earlier in the evening, recording victories over Rob Cross and Gerwyn Price to reach the final for the third time this season. Yet once again, the decisive match slipped through his grasp, as Littler produced a composed and clinical performance to take the spoils. Despite the disappointment, Van Gerwen’s consistency in reaching the latter stages has kept him firmly in contention for a playoff spot.

While the 2025 campaign has been uncharacteristically barren in terms of titles for the three-time world champion, Van Gerwen has remained a regular fixture in the business end of nights, accumulating valuable points through semi-final and final appearances.

His experience and competitive edge have allowed him to stay within the playoff places, even without adding to his glittering collection of nightly wins from previous seasons. The Dutchman’s ability to grind out results week after week has proven crucial in what has been a fiercely competitive edition of the tournament.

"Not the end I hoped for, but definitely a step in the right direction," Van Gerwen wrote on X in the aftermath of his final loss. "Birmingham, thanks for the support!"

The Premier League Darts campaign resumes next Thursday, as the roadshow heads to Leeds for Night 14.