Van Gerwen Eyes Home Boost in Rotterdam Return

Michael van Gerwen is hoping home support can spark a return to form as the BetMGM Premier League heads to Rotterdam for Night 11 on April 17. The seven-time champion is currently outside the Play-Off spots on legs difference, having reached just one final so far this season.

Despite that, Van Gerwen has won more quarter-finals than any other player and will open his night against Stephen Bunting. Bunting ended his Premier League title drought in Berlin, but was beaten 6-1 by Van Gerwen earlier this season, when the Dutchman averaged 109.

“This is the week you want to shine,” said Van Gerwen. “Playing at home gives me energy. I’ve had some struggles lately, but I know I’ve still got a lot left. Hopefully, I can get my first win of the season here.”

If he beats Bunting, Van Gerwen will face either league leader Luke Littler or Rob Cross. Littler is chasing his fifth nightly title, though his lead was cut to five points after a loss to Luke Humphries in Manchester. Cross, now three points outside the top four, fell to Nathan Aspinall in the last round.

Aspinall surged into Play-Off contention after beating Cross, Van Gerwen, and Humphries on Night Ten. He recently won his first European Tour title and reached two more finals. “I’ve had two tough years, but I’m still here and fighting,” said the 2020 runner-up.

Aspinall meets Gerwyn Price, who hit a nine-darter last week but lost to Littler. With little separating them on legs difference, their clash could prove decisive.

The night’s opener features Chris Dobey against world number one Luke Humphries, who hit a 118.43 average—third-highest in Premier League history—against Bunting last week and remains unbeaten against Dobey this season.