Need to know

Michael van Gerwen withdraws from Premier League darts and sends message to fans

Michael van Gerwen has withdrawn from the Premier League Darts in Glasgow due to illness, with Luke Littler given a bye through to the semi-finals as a result

[Michael van Gerwen issued a classy message to the World Darts Championship finalists on social media]

Michael van Gerwen issued a classy message to the World Darts Championship finalists on social media(Image: James Fearn, Getty Images)

Need to know: Michael van Gerwen pulls out of Premier League Darts in Glasgow due to illness

• Michael van Gerwen has withdrawn from the Premier League Darts in Glasgow due to illness, handing teenage sensation Luke Littler a bye into the semi-finals.
• The seven-time Premier League champion was due to face Littler on Night Three at the OVO Hydro but pulled out after being unable to shake a health issue.
• Van Gerwen apologised to fans on social media, saying: "Sorry Glasgow. Unfortunately I had to withdraw from the Premier League tonight. Appreciate all the support."
• The Dutchman had enjoyed a brilliant start to the campaign, winning Night One in Newcastle before finishing runner-up to Gerwyn Price in Antwerp.
• Under tournament rules, Littler automatically advances to the last four, receiving two league points and +1 leg difference, while Van Gerwen gets no points and suffers a -6 leg difference penalty.
• Meanwhile, Gerwyn Price is looking to capitalise on Van Gerwen's absence, with the Welshman saying: "This week I'll be even more relaxed and hopefully I can play even better."
• The tournament continues with Stephen Bunting facing Gian van Veen and Luke Humphries taking on Josh Rock in the remaining quarter-finals.
• READ THE FULL STORY: PDC release Michael van Gerwen statement as Luke Littler given Premier League bye

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