The electric atmosphere of the Premier League Darts is set to ignite the OVO Hydro in Glasgow tonight, but a stunning last-minute development has rewritten the script for Night 3. Reigning world champion Luke Littler, the 19-year-old sensation from Warrington, has been handed a golden ticket straight to the semi-finals after his highly anticipated quarter-final opponent, Michael van Gerwen, withdrew due to illness.
“The seven-time Premier League champion has been ruled out of Night Three at the OVO Hydro tonight due to a medical issue,” the PDC confirmed, leaving fans heartbroken but wishing the Dutch powerhouse a swift recovery. Van Gerwen, who entered the evening as the league leader after dominating the opening two nights, issued a heartfelt apology to supporters, emphasizing that health must come first in the high-stakes world of professional darts.
This unexpected bye not only spares Littler an early battle but also awards him two crucial points in the league table, bolstering his bid to reclaim the Premier League crown from Luke Humphries. The teenage prodigy, who exploded onto the scene two years ago as a 16-year-old runner-up at the World Championship, has been on a tear ever since. Last year, he lifted the Premier League trophy in a thrilling finale, and with victories already under his belt this season—including a nail-biting 6-5 quarter-final win over Humphries in Antwerp last week—Littler is primed to capitalize on this fortune.
Tonight’s revamped order of play kicks off at 7:15pm GMT (8:15pm WAT), with coverage starting at 7pm GMT (8pm WAT) on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Action in the UK. Viewers worldwide can stream the action live via PDCTV, while US fans tune into FanDuel TV Extra. For those in Nigeria and across Africa, check SuperSport or PDCTV for broadcast details to catch every 180 and maximum checkout.
Here’s the full schedule for Night 3 (all times GMT; best of 11 legs in quarters, 13 in semis, 19 in final):
| Time | Quarter-Finals |
|———-|———————————|
| 7:15pm | Stephen Bunting vs Gian van Veen |
| 7:45pm | Luke Humphries vs Josh Rock |
| 8:15pm | **Luke Littler – BYE** |
| 8:45pm | Jonny Clayton vs Gerwyn Price |
| Time | Semi-Finals |
|———-|———————————|
| 9:15pm | Winner QF1 vs Winner QF2 |
| **9:45pm** | **Luke Littler vs Winner QF4** |
|———-|———————————|
| 10:15pm | Final |
Littler will take to the oche around 9:45pm GMT (10:45pm WAT) for his semi-final showdown against the victor of the fiery all-Welsh clash between Jonny Clayton and Gerwyn Price. Clayton, a former world number one known for his ice-cool finishing, faces Price, the explosive “Iceman” whose walk-on entrance alone sends crowds into frenzy. “It’s going to be a proper Welsh war,” Clayton has promised, while Price added, “I’ll be throwing darts like my life depends on it—because in the Premier League, it does.”
The other semi-final pits the winner of Bunting vs van Veen against Humphries or Rock. World number one Humphries, the defending Premier League champion, seeks revenge after his narrow loss to Littler last week. The affable Englishman, who dethroned Littler in last season’s final, faces Northern Ireland’s Josh Rock, a rising star with blistering pace on the board. Meanwhile, Stephen Bunting, fresh off a strong Pro Tour run, takes on Dutch youngster Gian van Veen in what could be the match of the night for quarter-final fireworks.
After two pulsating nights—Newcastle on February 5 and Antwerp on February 12—the league table is razor-tight. Van Gerwen topped it with consistent semi-final appearances, but his absence tonight opens the door. Humphries and Price lurk close behind, with Littler climbing steadily thanks to his clutch performances. Clayton and Bunting have shown flashes of brilliance, while Rock and van Veen aim to make statements.
The OVO Hydro, a darts fortress that has hosted classics since 2014, promises a raucous night. Littler thrived here last year, beating Humphries in the final, and Van Gerwen lifted the trophy the year before. With 16 regular nights leading to playoffs for the top four in May, every leg counts in this £1 million showdown.
Littler, ever the showman, reflected on the twist: “Gutted not to face MvG—he’s the ultimate test—but I’ll be ready for whoever comes through. Glasgow always brings the noise!” Fans won’t want to miss this—darts at its rawest, fiercest, and most unpredictable.
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