Michael van Gerwen forced to withdraw from night three of the Premier League due to illness
Michael van Gerwen forced to withdraw from night three of the Premier League due to illness
Michael van Gerwen has withdrawn from Thursday night’s BetMGM Premier League event in Glasgow due to illness, bringing an abrupt halt to what had been an encouraging start to his 2026 campaign.
The Dutch superstar had made a strong impression across the opening two weeks of the roadshow. He claimed victory on Night One in Newcastle, signalling his intent to reassert himself after a challenging 2025 season, and followed that up with a run to the final on Night Two in Antwerp. On that occasion, he was edged out by Gerwyn Price, but his performances underlined that he remains a major contender in this year’s competition.
However, tournament officials confirmed on Thursday afternoon that Van Gerwen would play no part in Night Three at Glasgow’s OVO Hydro because of a medical issue. The seven-time Premier League champion had been scheduled to face Luke Littler in a blockbuster quarter-final clash, but illness has forced him to pull out before a dart was thrown.
Under Premier League regulations, Littler will now progress directly to the semi-finals with a Bye. As a result, the reigning world number one is awarded two league points and a +1 leg difference without taking to the stage in the quarter-finals. While it is far from the manner in which any player would wish to advance, the additional points could prove significant in the tightly contested race for a top-four finish.
For Van Gerwen, the withdrawal carries a competitive cost. He receives no league points for Night Three and is assigned a -6 leg difference, in line with tournament rules for a quarter-final absence. In a format where every point and leg can shape the final standings after 16 weeks of league action, that deficit may have implications later in the campaign.
The timing is particularly unfortunate given Van Gerwen’s resurgence in the opening rounds. His victory in Newcastle marked his first nightly Premier League win since 2024, and his run to the Antwerp final demonstrated renewed sharpness in both scoring and finishing. Having endured a season last year without a nightly triumph, he appeared determined to lay down an early marker in 2026.
Attention will now turn to his recovery and potential return for Night Four, with fans hoping the illness proves short-lived. The Premier League’s demanding travel schedule and high-intensity format leave little margin for disruption, and maintaining fitness across the spring months is often as crucial as form on the oche.
As the action continues in Glasgow, Littler benefits from an unexpected route into the last four, while the remainder of the field competes for vital points in front of a packed Scottish crowd. Meanwhile, Van Gerwen will focus on regaining full health as he looks to resume his challenge for an eighth Premier League title in the weeks ahead.
Michael van Gerwen forced to withdraw from night three of the Premier League due to illness
2026 BetMGM Premier League
Night Three – OVO Hydro, Glasgow
Thursday February 19
Quarter-Finals
Stephen Bunting v Gian van Veen
Luke Humphries v Josh Rock
Luke Littler BYE (Michael van Gerwen withdrew)
Jonny Clayton v Gerwyn Price
Semi-Finals
Bunting/Van Veen v Humphries/Rock
Luke Littler v Clayton/Price
Final
v
All matches best of 11 legs
We all wish Michael a speedy recovery from this illness
