Michael van Gerwen has been forced to withdraw from the third night of the 2026 BetMGM Premier League Darts after falling ill ahead of the evening’s action at Glasgow’s OVO Hydro. The Professional Darts Corporation confirmed the news on Thursday morning, citing a “medical issue” as the reason behind the Dutchman’s absence.
Van Gerwen, who had enjoyed a flying start to the new Premier League campaign, took to social media to deliver a brief but heartfelt message to the fans he would be letting down in Scotland.
“Sorry Glasgow. Unfortunately, I had to withdraw from the Premier League tonight. Thank you for your support.”
— Michael van Gerwen, via social media
The timing is acutely painful for Van Gerwen. Heading into Night Three, the 36-year-old sat at the top of the Premier League table, having won Night One in Newcastle and reached the final in Antwerp the following week — where he was beaten by a resurgent Gerwyn Price. His compatriot and friend Vincent van der Voort later revealed on the Darts Draait Door podcast that Van Gerwen had “picked something up” and is currently on a course of antibiotics.
The Cost of Withdrawal — Van Gerwen’s Night Three Penalty
Littler the Beneficiary as Tournament Rules Kick In
Under PDC tournament regulations, Van Gerwen’s scheduled quarter-final opponent, world champion Luke Littler, was awarded a bye straight through to the semi-finals. The 19-year-old sensation collected two league points and a positive leg difference of one without stepping up to the oche — a timely boost for Littler, who had managed just a single victory in this year’s Premier League prior to the night.
In the semi-finals, Littler was set to face either Jonny Clayton or Gerwyn Price, with the revised quarter-final schedule also placing Stephen Bunting against Gian van Veen, and Luke Humphries against Josh Rock.
A Blow to Van Gerwen’s Championship Charge
The withdrawal represents a significant dent in Van Gerwen’s pursuit of a record eighth Premier League title. Beyond losing the opportunity to extend his points lead, the enforced absence carries a harsh structural penalty: a 6-0 recorded defeat and a swing of seven league points compared to what a winning night might have delivered. In a competition where margins are razor-thin across sixteen weeks, that gap could prove costly come the Play-Offs in May.
Despite the setback, Van Gerwen’s early-season form suggests he remains one of the title favourites. He had been among the most consistent performers across Nights One and Two, displaying the kind of ruthless finishing that has made him the most decorated player in Premier League history. Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see how quickly he recovers and whether he can claw back the ground lost in Glasgow.
The Premier League Darts continues every Thursday through to May, with coverage available on Sky Sports. Night Four’s venue is yet to be confirmed as the tour rolls on across the UK and Europe.
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