Premier League darts returned to Manchester’s AO Arena on Thursday evening, with Gerwyn Price coming out the victor of Night 9 after beating Gian van Veen 6-2 in the final.
Price was the standout player throughout the night and picked up dominant wins against Luke Humphries, Stephen Bunting and then Van Veen in the final to clinch his second nightly win of the season.
‘The Iceman’ made fast work of all his opponents and dropped just six legs across the whole evening – averaging 104.46, 112.91 and then 105.84.
Price made a strong start in the final with a 128 checkout to break Van Veen’s throw and take the first leg.
The 2023 finalist went on to win the next two as well, eventually finding himself 5-1 ahead.
Van Veen clawed back one more leg before falling to his opponent’s excellent display. The victory sends Price up to second in the Premier League table with seven nights remaining.
“He (Van Veen) wasn’t really on his game in that final, which I was happy with,” Price told Sky Sports.
“I just want to pick up two points every week, to get a win is a bonus.
“We don’t talk about it (the table), but it’s definitely in every player’s head, anybody can qualify for the top four, I think.”
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The night got off to a fast start with Bunting racing into a 5-0 lead against six-time Premier League winner Michael van Gerwen.
The Dutchman pulled it back to 5-3, only for Bunting to hit back and book his spot in the semi-finals – with Van Gerwen enduring a disappointing evening after missing eight checkouts throughout the opening encounter.
Another surprise followed with Price eliminating reigning champion Humphries.
‘The Iceman’ cruised to a 6-2 victory to extend his opponent’s difficult run in the 2026 Premier League, with Humphries exiting in the opening round for the fourth time this year.
A rematch of the World Championship final came next, with Luke Littler taking on Van Veen.
The young duo played out a superb encounter that saw Van Veen come out on top with a 6-5 win after a dramatic final leg saw both players miss match darts – including Littler failing to hit double seven and the Dutchman missing double 15.
There was controversy towards the end of the clash, with both players gesturing at each other and Littler riling up the crowd between Van Veen’s throws.
“I’m on 90, I miss double 15 on the inside, and then I see him celebrating towards the crowd. I don’t think that’s normal,” Van Veen said after.
“And then he also makes that crying gesture.
“He’s a fantastic darts player, but today he showed he’s not a good loser. Celebrating a miss from your opponent, that really annoys me.
“That’s why I gave him a look. The fact he then misses three darts at a double, that’s his problem.”
Manchester’s quarter-finals were rounded out with Josh Rock securing a 6-4 win over Jonny Clayton.
Price continued his strong form in the semi-finals with a comprehensive 6-2 triumph over Bunting after nailing a 112 checkout in the final leg.
The Iceman bettered his quarter-final average of 104.46 by managing a staggering 112.91 to book his spot in the final.
Van Veen followed by making quick work of Rock in a 6-3 victory, winning three legs on the bounce to seal his spot in the showpiece event against Price.
Premier League Darts night 10 takes place on Thursday, April 9th, in Brighton.
Full results
Quarter-finals:
Michael van Gerwen 3-6 Stephen Bunting
Gerwyn Price 6-2 Luke Humphries
Gian van Veen 6-5 Luke Littler
Jonny Clayton 4-6 Josh Rock
Semi-finals:
Bunting 2-6 Price
Van Veen 6-3 Rock
Final:
Price 6-2 Van Veen
