Michael van Gerwen beats debutant Gian van Veen to win Premier League opener

Michael van Gerwen hopes to keep challenging in the Premier League after storming to victory on the opening night in Newcastle with a 6-4 win over Gian van Veen in the final.

Debutant Van Veen dispatched Luke Littler and Jonny Clayton on his way to facing seven-time Premier League winner Van Gerwen in an all-Dutch final.

Van Gerwen raced ahead to take a 3-1 lead, but Van Veen put up a fight and remained close behind the world number four throughout.

With a 5-4 advantage, Van Gerwen was able to hit double 14 to win the match and open this year’s Premier League campaign with victory, having not won a night in the 2025 tournament.

He said: “Mentally, I’m strong and I know what I’m capable of. As long as you keep on your own ability and performances, I know I’m capable of doing this.

“Last year I had a very crap Premier League, if I can say that. As long as you keep believing your own ability anything is possible.

“I’m going to give it a go, I’m going to challenge anything that comes in my path. I want to beat them, simple as that.

“It’s a very long route, but winning games is the best medicine for your form and everything.

“As long as you keep battling your own battles, winning games, you get confidence then (that) anything is possible.”

Van Gerwen eased into the final four with a 6-2 quarter-final victory over Stephen Bunting, winning six successive legs having trailed 2-0.

The Dutchman then came up against Luke Humphries after the world number two edged through with a 6-5 win over Gerwyn Price in the last eight.

A tight semi-final saw Van Gerwen pull away, where he hit a 114 checkout to reach the final and the Dutchman was pleased with his performance.

Van Gerwen said: “I think I did OK. Of course I know exactly what I