"I want to keep it that way" - Michael van Gerwen only Premier League Darts winner in this year's lineup
PDC
Michael van Gerwen will begin his quest for an 8th Premier League Darts title this Thursday in Cardiff. On opening night, he will take on Michael Smith in the quarterfinals.
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Van Gerwen defeated Gerwyn Price 11-5 in last year's final. "I'm ready for it, no problem," 'Mighty Mike' said in conversation with the PDC. "You have to play weekly at the highest level possible and you have to face the best of the best, week in and week out. That makes you a better player."
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As always, much has been made about the lineup. Van Gerwen himself however, does like the field of participants in the Premier League this year. "Compared to previous years I think it's a step in the right direction," 'MVG' assesses. "There's a lot of quick, entertaining players and that's what you want."
The 34-year-old Dutchman is the only former Premier League winner in the field this year. "I want to keep it that way," he says bluntly. "I'm feeling comfortable and I'm quite positive. I'm looking forward to this event and I want to get it underway."
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Kieran WoodDarts Journalist
Kieran Wood is a sports journalist based in Wales and has been active in journalism since 2022. He contributes to DartsNews.com, where he covers professional darts through news, match reports, analysis, and live coverage across the PDC calendar and major tournaments.
A key part of his work is on-site reporting from leading events. Kieran has covered the PDC World Darts Championship in person, reporting daily from the venue and providing first-hand insight from the tournament. During his coverage, he has conducted interviews with leading players including Luke Littler, Luke Humphries, and Gerwyn Price.
He is also one of the leading voices of the English-language Dartsnews Podcast, contributing regular analysis and discussion on developments across the professional darts circuit.
In his reporting, Kieran places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles when new, verified information becomes available.
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- Everyone knows what a fantastic champion Taylor was,but his performances in the seniors were poor. He wouldn't throw littler off stage,as he'd miss these days!!rick6712-11-2026
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- I often think about this very question. I think they should revive the format. They could even invite representatives from MODUS Super Series, with four series winners from the past year, and the ADC, with finalists from the Global Championship and perhaps other events. Why not throw in eligible representatives from the JDC and even the soft-tip game too?Deduce635811-11-2026
- So what if littler missed out, he doesnt have to enter everythingant10-11-2026
- Good, absolutely no loss if we never see this dancing goof ever again......no that is not fair. He absolutely cannot and has never been remotely able to dance!richieburnettrocks10-11-2026
- Yes Phil,now the money in the game is bigger than ever,you'd play littler. Well so would I! Retire on your memory Phil,and your successful careerrick6709-11-2026
- And why should he listen to you?Deduce635807-11-2026
- Ultimately it is a bye for whoever draws Barney. It will be another stroppy and sulky performance once he goes behind. Barney was excellent but really must completely call it a day now.richieburnettrocks07-11-2026
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