Michael van Gerwen exits Premier League after Nathan Aspinall loss in Sheffield
The seven-time champion has had a miserable campaign and came into the final weekly night in the Steel City having to win.
But he fell at the first hurdle, losing 6-2 to Aspinall, who completed the line-up for next week's play-offs at the O2 in London.
ASPINALL HAS DONE IT!
Nathan Aspinall beats Michael van Gerwen to book his place in the Play-Offs!
📺 https://t.co/CxOorrFXK9 #PLDarts25 | QF2 pic.twitter.com/KI4ncdzU2X
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) May 22, 2025
It is just the second time in 13 years that Van Gerwen, who has won the competition more than any other player, has not made the finals night.
His exit is another stark reminder that he is no longer the top dog in the sport, sitting well below Luke Littler and Luke Humphries.
Aspinall knew that victory would book his place in the top four for the third time in his career and he produced a fine performance, with three ton-plus finishes.
THE NUKE WINS IT IN STYLE! ☢️
Luke Littler wraps up a 6-1 win over Stephen Bunting with a 127 checkout!
That win sees Littler break the record for points in a PL season!
📺 https://t.co/CxOorrFXK9 #PLDarts25 | QF1 pic.twitter.com/CSlcdvZaHI
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) May 22, 2025
Waiting in the nightly semi-final is Littler, who opened the evening by creating more history after setting a new record points tally.
The 18-year-old demolished Stephen Bunting 6-1 to take him to 42 points – a new high in this format of the competition.
The reigning champion, who is guaranteed to finish top of the standings, put in a staggering performance against Bunting.
He averaged 114.32, threw three 100-plus finishes and was six out of six on the doubles.
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