Michael van Gerwen withdraws from Premier League as Luke Littler decision made
A statement has confirmed that Michael van Gerwen has pulled out of Thursday night's Premier League Darts.
Van Gerwen, 36, has made a flying start to this season's Premier League, having won Night One in Newcastle before losing to Gerwyn Price in Night Two's final in Antwerp.
However, the Dutchman will not take part in Night Three, which is set to be held inside the OVO Hydro in Glasgow, Scotland.
The Professional Darts Corporation confirmed that Van Gerwen had decided to withdraw due to illness.
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A statement read: "Michael van Gerwen has withdrawn from Thursday's BetMGM Premier League action in Glasgow due to illness.
"The Dutchman had been hoping to continue his terrific start to the new season, after winning Night One in Newcastle before finishing runner-up to Gerwyn Price on Night Two in Antwerp."
It continued: "However, the seven-time Premier League champion has been ruled out of Night Three at the OVO Hydro tonight due to a medical issue."
Van Gerwen was scheduled to take on world champion Luke Littler, who will now receive a BYE and go straight through to the semi-final.
The PDC stated: "Van Gerwen’s scheduled quarter-final opponent, Luke Littler, subsequently receives a Bye through to the semi-finals under tournament rules, taking two league points and +1 leg difference.
"Van Gerwen receives no league points and -6 leg difference."
Littler will now face either Jonny Clayton or Price in the semi final, with Stephen Bunting, Gian van Veen, Luke Humphries and Josh Rock on the other side of the draw.
Premier League Darts Night Three line-up
Stephen Bunting v Gian van Veen
Luke Humphries v Josh Rock
Luke Littler BYE (Michael van Gerwen withdrew)
Jonny Clayton v Gerwyn Price
Following Night Three in Glasgow, the Premier League will continue inside the SSE Arena in Belfast, Northern Ireland, on February 26. The final of the Premier League will take place at London's O2 Arena in May.
Topics: Darts, Luke Littler
Marcus Chan