'I can't afford to fail again': Michael van Gerwen faces win or bust Premier League Darts scenario

Michael van Gerwen faces an all-decisive night in Premier League Darts. The Dutchman, who has already won the prestigious competition seven times, needs to record his first evening victory of the season in the final round of the regular competition to still qualify for the playoffs.

The 35-year-old has missed the final night only once in his 12 previous appearances, but this season his fate hangs by a thread. After two consecutive eliminations in the quarterfinals, he is dependent on a weekly title to still surpass Nathan Aspinall in the standings.

Despite the recent dip in form, the three-time world champion remains combative. "I hope I can use that experience because I think I'm going to need it," said Van Gerwen, who is by far the most successful player in Premier League history. "Of course it's going to be a massive night for me, and I can't afford to fail again, or I will be out of the tournament.

According to the Dutchman, the challenge this year lies mainly with himself. "This is probably one of the hardest Premier League's I have ever played in - not in terms of players, but in terms of myself."

Still, he feels ready to compete. "It has been a real battle, but I've had a good combination of rest and practice over the last few days to make sure I'm ready to do what I need to do tomorrow.

Van Gerwen remains confident despite the pressure on his shoulders. "It is so important to keep believing in yourself, and that is what I'm still doing," the world number three said.

In recent weeks, Luke Littler, Luke Humphries and Gerwyn Price already managed to secure a spot into the playoffs. Van Gerwen and Aspinall will decide between them on Thursday night who is the last player to compete for the top prize of 275,000 pounds next week.