"Every time he wins against me it's not convincing" - Michael van Gerwen seeing positives despite defeat to Luke Littler

Michael van Gerwen did not make it past the semifinals on the ninth day of Premier League Darts. Mighty Mike defeated Michael Smith first, but then lost 6-3 to Luke Littler.

"Right at the beginning of that match it went wrong," Van Gerwen told Viaplay afterwards. "I can see he's not comfortable and then I'm just too preoccupied with him instead of concentrating on my own game."

Van Gerwen had lost in the quarterfinals the last four nights, so at least this time he did manage to win a match. "But there was still more in it. I have now played Luke six times, three of which I lost and three of which I won. Every time he won against me it was not convincing, while he does against other players. I just have to take advantage of that, which is still a downside that it didn't work out tonight."

Van Gerwen is now third in the standings, five points off leader Luke Humphries. "It's still fighting for the playoffs. You also see that everyone is extra motivated against me. But don't let that be an excuse, I just have to see for myself that I'm well prepared and then that shouldn't be a problem."