Premier League Darts, Night 11 - Rotterdam

The Netherlands becomes the latest nation to host the Premier League Darts roadshow, with Rotterdam serving as the destination for the eleventh night of action in this year’s campaign.

Having recently reclaimed his position at the summit of the leader board, Jonny Clayton arrives on Dutch soil intent on consolidating his place at the O2. Last week in Brighton, courtesy of his nightly triumph and Luke Littler’s premature exit, The Ferret vaulted back into pole position and will be eager to retain that advantage.

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Standing in his way is home favourite Michael van Gerwen, who will undoubtedly be buoyed by a fervent partisan crowd. Ahead of the prodigal son’s return, MVG currently occupies the final play-off berth, making victory over Clayton – who possesses a commanding twelve-point cushion in his pursuit of a London appearance – all the more imperative for The Green Machine.

The Ahoy Arena will also be roaring on another of their own, their number one Gian van Veen. For the 23-year-old, however, the assignment is decidedly formidable, as he faces reigning Premier League champion Luke Humphries. Somewhat astonishingly, Cool Hand currently languishes second from bottom in the standings, four points adrift of Van Gerwen. After a promising start, Van Veen has experienced a slight dip in form, largely attributable to recent health setbacks. With Littler and Clayton appearing increasingly secure in their O2 aspirations, this contest forms part of the congested battle for the remaining two coveted spots.

Reigning World Champion Littler features in the evening’s curtain-raiser as he locks horns with Gerwyn Price. While The Iceman still has work to do to secure his place at next month’s finale, a victory over the teenage phenomenon would represent an ideal foundation. Littler has claimed nightly honours in exactly half of the past six weeks, though he has exited at the opening stage in the last two. Barring an extraordinary collapse, The Nuke appears all but assured of his place in England’s capital. Currently sitting on 24 points – double that of Van Veen in fifth – it would take a seismic downturn to prevent his qualification.

The last quarter-final sees Stephen Bunting take on Josh Rock. After enduring a barren opening seven weeks, the Northern Irishman has since managed to accrue points consistently. While qualification for the play-offs remains mathematically attainable, few would be inclined to wager heavily on that outcome.

For The Bullet, the outlook is marginally more favourable. Sitting five points adrift of Van Gerwen in fourth, he realistically requires at least a couple of nightly victories across the remaining six Thursdays – ideally commencing in Rotterdam.

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Oh … just a word of warning for UK fans. Remember, due to the time difference, the broadcast begins at 6pm this week. Don’t do what I did for the Berlin night and switch on at 7pm only to realise you’ve missed the opening two games!