In a surprising turn of events, Michael van Gerwen withdrew from the Premier League Darts fixture in Berlin just 20 minutes before play was set to begin. Scheduled to face off against Welshman Gerwyn Price, the three-time world champion’s sudden absence was confirmed by Sky Sports, who indicated that doctors had also ruled him out of the Elten Safety Shoes International Darts Open in Riesa later this weekend.
Despite his solid position, sitting in third place prior to week nine, Van Gerwen was unable to secure more points, having only won one night so far, standing on 13 points.
The cause of his exit is a shoulder injury that may sideline him for several days, with uncertainty surrounding his participation in the next week’s match at the AO Arena in Manchester. Price, now granted an automatic bye to the semi-finals, will benefit from Van Gerwen’s withdrawal, climbing above him in the standings.
In addition to the setback, Van Gerwen faces a six-leg penalty that could be pivotal if he ends up tied in points with another competitor. Currently, his leg difference stands at -7, marking a challenging phase for him this tournament.
Sky Sports pundit Mark Webster voiced sympathy for Van Gerwen, expressing hope for his swift recovery, while Wayne Mardle noted that Price must be pleased with the outcome, as facing Van Gerwen is usually a daunting task. Meanwhile, rising star Luke Littler continues to dominate the league table with four wins in the opening eight nights, making waves in the sport.
Michael van Gerwen withdrew from the Premier League Darts match in Berlin shortly before it began due to a shoulder injury, missing out on vital points. This withdrawal allows Gerwyn Price to advance without playing, impacting the league standings, and Van Gerwen now faces potential penalties that could affect his season. Pundits express disappointment and hope for Van Gerwen’s recovery.
Michael van Gerwen’s abrupt withdrawal from the Premier League Darts in Berlin due to a shoulder injury has significant consequences. While it marks a setback for the three-time champion, it presents an opportunity for Gerwyn Price to advance in the tournament. As Van Gerwen grapples with injuries and penalties affecting his league performance, the competition remains fierce, especially with promising talents like Luke Littler leading the way.
Original Source: www.givemesport.com
