VAN GERWEN COULD MISS PREMIER LEAGUE TOP FOUR
09/02/2026 By Aaron Nijjar
MICHAEL VAN GERWEN could miss out on the Premier League top four again, according to ex-pro Paul Nicholson.
‘Mighty Mike’ failed to reach Finals Night at the O2 last season for the first time since 2020 after a disappointing campaign.
World No.4 Van Gerwen, who has won the PL seven times, finally got a nightly win, his first since taking the title in Birmingham on April 11, 2024.
The three-time world champ beat Gian van Veen 6-4 to win night one at Newcastle.
Nicholson admits Van Gerwen’s talent is unquestionable but says it is his preparation that will decide whether he has a strong showing in the major tournament.
He told Betway: “I think this is a big Premier League for him because of last year’s Premier League.
“His success is very well-documented and his personal life has been very well documented. That is something for Michael to handle.
“But the one thing he is in control of is how he prepares for this Premier League. If he’s able to prepare the way he wants and he’s got enough motivation, he’s going to do well.
“I think if he doesn’t get his priorities right on the dartboard, then this could be a long 16 weeks.
“If it’s not better than last year, I get the feeling that he might not be in the top four this year.
“It’s going to have to be a better approach, a more efficient approach than this time last year, otherwise, no playoffs for Michael again.”
Van Gerwen returns to action Premier League action on Thursday and will face Josh Rock in Antwerp, Belgium.
Image by Taylor Lanning.
