In a surprising turn of events, Michael van Gerwen has withdrawn from the Premier League Darts event in Berlin, just moments before the competition was set to begin. His exit, due to a shoulder injury, left a ripple of confusion in the air as fans anticipated his quarter-final clash against Gerwyn Price at the Uber Arena. PDC’s statement, issued shortly before kickoff, confirmed his unfortunate decision, adding to the tension of the night.
Gerwyn Price, now advancing directly to the semi-finals, benefits from the unexpected development, earning two league points and increasing his leg difference. Meanwhile, Van Gerwen’s withdrawal has not only dashed his hopes for the evening but also resulted in a -6 leg difference, complicating his chase for a top-four finish in the tournament.
Heading into this event, Van Gerwen sat third in the league standings with 13 points, caught in a fierce competition for the final play-off spots. Luke Littler, dominating with 26 points, was followed by Luke Humphries with 18 points, while Price held a position in fourth, tied with Rob Cross at 12 points. On the heels of Van Gerwen’s absence, Price now finds himself in third place, nudging ahead with 14 points as battle lines are drawn.
As the night unfolds, Nathan Aspinall, currently sitting on 10 points, hopes to climb higher in his match against Stephen Bunting, who is yet to secure a win. Rob Cross faces a formidable challenge from Luke Humphries, while Chris Dobey competes against Littler in the final quarter-final. With results hanging in the balance, the competition intensifies.
Price revealed his own struggles with injuries but remains optimistic, expressing a need to perform at his best. “I was 4-1 up against Michael on the European Tour the other week, and I lost 6-4. It doesn’t matter how well you’re playing. These players can come back and beat you, so I need to be at the top of my game.”
Michael van Gerwen withdrew from the Premier League Darts event in Berlin due to a shoulder injury, causing confusion for fans. Gerwyn Price advances to the semi-finals, gaining points, while Van Gerwen’s absence negatively impacts his standings. The competition remains tight among the top players, with crucial matches impacting the final league positions.
Michael van Gerwen’s last-minute withdrawal from the Premier League Darts in Berlin due to a shoulder injury has stirred up significant excitement and uncertainty among fans. Gerwyn Price now advances unopposed to the semi-finals, increasing the pressure on the remaining competitors, particularly Rob Cross and Nathan Aspinall. With points and spirits on the line, the competition promises to be fierce as players vie for the coveted top-four spots.
Original Source: www.express.co.uk
