Darts fans are calling for a surprise opponent — not currently in the Premier League line-up — to face Luke Littler in Glasgow after Michael van Gerwen was forced to withdraw.
Van Gerwen had been scheduled to play Littler in the quarter-finals on Night Three of the Premier League, but the Dutch star pulled out shortly before the event due to an unspecified illness.
The withdrawal means the world No. 2 will be handed a -6 leg difference for the night, despite remaining top of the Premier League table. Van Gerwen will still finish the night in first place unless Jonny Clayton goes on to win the whole event, or Gerwyn Price reaches the final or lifts the trophy.
Posting on Twitter, Van Gerwen wrote:
“Sorry Glasgow. Unfortunately I had to withdraw from the Premier League tonight. Appreciate all the support.”
The PDC later confirmed no replacement player will be drafted in, meaning Littler will receive a bye into the semi-finals. He will now face the winner of the opening match between Clayton and Price.
That decision also rules out the return of the old “challenger” format, which previously allowed non-qualified players to appear for a one-night cameo. The format was first introduced in 2019 after Gary Anderson withdrew with a back injury, and remained in place in 2020 before being scrapped.
With this week’s Premier League stop taking place in Glasgow, many fans have urged the PDC to bring Anderson back as a one-off to face Littler — despite the fact he is not part of the current Premier League field.
Social media quickly filled with calls for the two-time world champion to be drafted in.
One fan wrote: “Gary Anderson now.”
Another added: “Get Anderson in for a one-night special.”
A third posted: “Please get Ando in for the night.”
While another asked: “Surely you should be giving Gary Anderson a call to step in as a one-off?”
Many of the comments were made tongue-in-cheek, given Anderson now lives in Somerset and has repeatedly turned down Premier League invites in recent years.
Anderson has consistently cited the travel demands as his main reason for staying away from the competition — though a one-night appearance in Glasgow would likely be viewed differently by fans.
As things stand, Littler will gain a valuable point without throwing a dart, along with a +6 boost to his leg difference.
The reigning world champion has had a mixed start to the Premier League season, losing to Gian van Veen on opening night earlier this month before being beaten 6-4 by Van Gerwen in the semi-finals last month.
With the automatic points and leg swing, the 19-year-old will also move above Van Veen into fourth place in the table before play begins in Glasgow.
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