Michael van Gerwen has been forced to withdraw from this evening's Premier League darts in Glasgow after falling ill.
The Dutch star, who claimed victory on the opening night in Newcastle and subsequently reached the final during night two in Antwerp, will not feature at the OVO Hydro tonight.
The Professional Darts Corporation confirmed the three-time world champion's absence from the third night of the BetMGM Premier League.
Van Gerwen's departure comes as a significant blow given his impressive form at the start of the 2026 season, where he had been among the standout performers across the first two events.
The PDC released a statement confirming the Dutchman's withdrawal, noting he had hoped to maintain his excellent early-season momentum.
"However, the seven-time Premier League champion has been ruled out of Night Three at the OVO Hydro tonight due to a medical issue," the governing body stated.
Van Gerwen had finished as runner-up to Gerwyn Price during the Antwerp event, demonstrating his competitive edge despite narrowly missing out on consecutive night victories.
Michael van Gerwen has made a positive start to this year's Premier League
| PAThe nature of the illness has not been disclosed, though the PDC confirmed it was sufficient to prevent the 36-year-old from taking to the stage this evening.
Luke Littler stands to benefit considerably from his opponent's absence.
Under tournament regulations, the teenage sensation automatically advances to the semi-finals without throwing a dart in the quarter-final stage.
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Five facts darts fans might not know | PA/GBNEWSThis progression awards Littler two league points along with a positive leg difference of one.
The 19-year-old has managed just a single victory in this year's Premier League thus far, making the free passage particularly welcome.
Van Gerwen, meanwhile, faces a harsh penalty for his enforced absence, receiving zero league points and a negative leg difference of six, potentially damaging his standings in the competition table.
Tonight's quarter-final schedule has been adjusted following the withdrawal, with three matches now set to take place.
Luke Littler has received a bye following Michael van Gerwen's withdrawal
| GETTYStephen Bunting faces Gian van Veen in one contest, whilst Luke Humphries meets Josh Rock in another.
The remaining quarter-final sees Jonny Clayton take on Price, who triumphed over van Gerwen in last week's Antwerp final.
The semi-final draw will see the Bunting versus Van Veen winner face whoever emerges victorious from the Humphries and Rock encounter.
Littler, having bypassed the opening knockout round entirely, will meet either Clayton or Price in his first competitive action of the evening.