The £1m Cazoo Premier League will conclude with the Play-Offs in London on Thursday, as the final four compete for the £275,000 top prize at The O2.
Following 16 thrilling nights of league phase action, the 2023 tournament will culminate on a blockbuster night of action in the English capital on May 25.
Reigning champion Michael van Gerwen will be among the players vying for the coveted title, along with world number one Michael Smith, 2021 champion Jonny Clayton and table-topper Gerwyn Price.
Van Gerwen is making his tenth Play-Off appearance, a decade on from his maiden Premier League triumph in 2013, where he defeated Phil Taylor in a thrilling finale.
The Dutchman has since celebrated wins in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2022, and victory on Thursday will see Van Gerwen create further history by overhauling Taylor’s tally of six Premier League titles.
“It would definitely be special, but if it doesn’t happen, it will happen next year or the year after,” insisted Van Gerwen, who is fighting fit after suffering an upper arm injury on Night 16 in Aberdeen.
“Last week I pulled something in my arm which wasn’t pleasant. I didn’t want to take any unnecessary risks, but I feel good now and I’m ready for tomorrow night.”
Van Gerwen will take on World Champion Smith in repeat of January’s historic World Championship final, and the six-time champion is relishing his latest showdown against the St Helens star.
“I think it’s going to be a classic of a game between me and Michael. He has incredible talent and he is a fantastic player for darts,” added Van Gerwen, who finished the league phase in third position.
“On the other side, I think I am mentally stronger and I have more experience than he has, and I hope I can use that in tomorrow’s game.”
The 2023 Cazoo Premier League Play-Offs will be broadcast live on Sky Sports in the UK & Ireland, through the PDC’s worldwide broadcast partners including DAZN, Viaplay and VTM, and on PDCTV for Rest of the World Subscribers.
2023 Cazoo Premier League Play-Offs
Thursday May 25 (1900 BST)
The O2, London
Semi-Finals – Best of 19 legs
Gerwyn Price v Jonny Clayton
Michael Smith v Michael van Gerwen
Final – Best of 21 legsPrice/Clayton v Smith/Van Gerwen
——ENDS—–
Images: Steven Paston/PDC
Grab a copy of the 50th Anniversary Darts World 581 here (while stock lasts) or the new Issue 582 here :
The Darts World 50 limited edition set is available to order (Here) in your choice of pack/bundle.
Also Available Free: Darts World Extra 9 – Gezzy Nice
Darts World Magazine‘s fantastic value bundles:
Subscribe or purchase your copy
