Michael van Gerwen made a strong start to his chase for an eighth Premier League darts title by winning the opening night in Newcastle.
The Dutch star beat fellow countryman Gian van Veen 6-4 in the final, earning £10,000 and the first five points of the new season. Van Gerwen said he was happy to win even though he didn’t feel he was at his very best, praising his finishing at key moments.
Van Veen impressed on his Premier League debut. He beat world number one Luke Littler in the quarter-finals and then defeated former champion Jonny Clayton in the semi-finals. However, he couldn’t quite get past Van Gerwen in a close final.
Van Gerwen’s win was a big confidence boost after missing out on finals night last season. Earlier in the night, he came from behind to beat Stephen Bunting, then comfortably saw off defending champion Luke Humphries in the semi-finals before sealing victory in the all-Dutch final.
