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'When everyone is talking about Michael, this is when he turns up' - Devon Petersen backs Van Gerwen to complete Premier League great escape

Originally posted on Dartsnews.com | Last updated May 21, 2025 11:50 AM ET

The final night of the regular Premier League Darts season takes place tomorrow in Sheffield, with three of the four playoff spots already secured. Luke Littler, Luke Humphries, and Gerwyn Price have all locked in their places for the semi-finals. However, the battle for the last remaining ticket promises high drama, as Nathan Aspinall and Michael van Gerwen go head-to-head in a crucial showdown.

Aspinall currently holds the upper hand in the standings with 24 points—four more than his closest challenger, Van Gerwen. The Dutchman is the only other player still in contention for the playoffs. In a dramatic twist, the two contenders will face each other in the quarterfinals on Thursday night. For Aspinall, a win would be enough to secure his place. For Van Gerwen, the task is steeper: he must win the entire night to qualify.

Sky Sports has already begun previewing the decisive matchday. Presenter Polly James highlighted Van Gerwen’s consistency over the years: "What's gone wrong for him this season, is that he hasn't had a nightly win. Last year, if you remember, he won three on the bounce and then there was a few nights where he didn't win at all - didn't get past the quarter-finals. But that was enough for him," notes the Welshwoman. "This year, can he get that nightly win when he really needs to get it?"

Former PDC Tour Card holder Devon Petersen still believes in Van Gerwen’s ability to deliver under pressure. "If you're asking me, I think there's nobody in the world that can write off 'MVG'," answers the South African. "He's done it so many times before, when you go: 'Is he done? Is he finished?' He obviously listens to what everybody says, but he doesn't take note of it because he trusts his throw and he trusts his performance."

"But it's not just that. It's understanding that you can win. He's not won obviously, like you said. The first time that he's not had a nighty win," concludes Petersen. "Is it that the light is starting to shine on people like Luke Littler, Luke Humphries and all the other players? Is it that he's feeling a little overshadowed in a sense? But now, when everyone is talking about Michael, this is when he turns up."