The Dutchman participated seven times before and won the league phase every season and reached the final of the play-offs every year. Now everything is different in the Premier League Darts. Van Gerwen is not even sure of making the final night.

Because with three rounds before the end of the competition, the 31-year-old sits on a disappointing fifth place. Six points behind leader Glen Durrant, which means that the chance of the £ 25,000 league bonus is as good as gone.

The three-time world champion lost 8-1 to Peter Wright on Wednesday evening. It was already his sixth loss in the league, while he never had to suffer more then four defeats in the league phase.

With the loss to Wright, the five-time Premier League champion set another negative record. Never has Van Gerwen lost with such a big difference in the Premier League Darts.

Until Thursday evening, Mighty Mike always won at least three legs in a Premier League match. He lost 7-3 four times in the prestigious darts league. Against Wright he claimed only one leg, which means Van Gerwen no langer has a positive leg balance in the standings.

Therefore the Dutchman doesn't only need points in the upcoming three nights, he also needs big wins to increase his chances of competing in the play-offs.

2013: 3
2014: 3
2015: 3
2016: 1
2017: 2
2018: 4
2019: 3
2020: 6 (with three rounds to go)

3-7 Raymond van Barneveld (2015)
3-7 Phil Taylor (2017)
3-7 James Wade (2019)
3-7 Glen Durrant (2020)

1-8 Peter Wright (2020)