In the run-up to the resumption of the Premier League Darts 2020 on August 25, Dartsnews looks back on the performances per player in the first six weeks of the competition. This time, Michael van Gerwen is in the spotlight.

Van Gerwen made his debut in Premier League Darts in 2013. The world number one has provided impressive results. His previous seven appearances yielded the same number of first places in the league phase. He has also been in the final of the play-offs seven times, which he has managed to win five times.

However, after six nights the league phase is not in the hands of the 31-year-old from Vlijmen. Mighty Mike started the competition strong with victories over Peter Wright (7-5) and Daryl Gurney (7-1). In both matches Van Gerwen produced a big ton plus average.

Subsequently, the three-time world champion suffered a decrease of form. He was defeated by Nathan Aspinall in Cardiff, but took revenge with a 7-4 win over "challenger" William O'Connor in Dublin.

On March 5 in Exeter, Van Gerwen was defeated for a second time. Michael Smith beat him 7-4 as the Dutchman lost two of his first six matches for the first time in the Premier League. A cracker was awaiting against Gerwyn Price in Liverpool on March 12. Mighty Mike retained his brilliant UK Open form and claimed a 7-5 win over The Iceman with a 106 average.

With eight points from six games, Van Gerwen currently sits in second place. The gap to leader Glen Durrant is one point. He will meet Rob Cross, Durrant and Gary Anderson in the remaining three matches of the first league phase.

Results

Michael van Gerwen (104.13) 7-5 (97.71) Peter Wright
Michael van Gerwen (105.05) 7-1 (93.92) Daryl Gurney
Michael van Gerwen (97.61) 5-7 (101.12) Nathan Aspinall
Michael van Gerwen (97.62) 7-4 (95.31) William O’Connor
Michael van Gerwen (99.43) 4-7 (95.42) Michael Smith
Michael van Gerwen (106.27) 7-5 (98.07) Gerwyn Price

Remaining schedule for first league phase

August 25: Michael van Gerwen v Rob Cross
August 26: Glen Durrant v Michael van Gerwen
August 27: Michael van Gerwen v Gary Anderson