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'Who wants to watch the 20th meeting between Luke Littler and Michael van Gerwen' - Kim Huybrechts criticises repetitive Premier League Darts format

Originally posted on Dartsnews.com | Last updated May 9, 2025 10:59 AM ET

Kim Huybrechts was the featured guest on this week’s episode of the Darts Draait Door podcast, where the 39-year-old Belgian looked back on some of the most challenging moments of his Premier League Darts career.

Huybrechts competed in the Premier League twice, with his most recent appearance coming in 2017. That campaign proved difficult, as he finished bottom of the table with just three points. However, there were extenuating circumstances — away from the oche, Huybrechts was dealing with deeply personal and devastating news. He did not feature on the final night of the season.

"That week, I found out my mother only had about a month left to live. It was all just too much," Huybrechts recalled. "I skipped that final week, which was meant to be against Peter Wright. The doctors advised me not to leave the country, because it could happen at any moment (that my mother would pass away). After speaking with the PDC, we decided to cancel the match."

Huybrechts also reflected on a difficult night in Scotland during his Premier League stint. "I had to play Gary Anderson in Glasgow… I went up on stage with a really heavy heart. From the very first dart to the last, I was booed relentlessly. It left quite an impression. I was up there with my tail between my legs," he admitted.

During his time in the Premier League, the format required each player to contest one match per night. Huybrechts admitted he is not a fan of the current system. "I don’t really like this format — it’s lost some of its charm compared to before. Who wants to watch the twentieth meeting between Luke Littler and Michael van Gerwen in just half a year? Back then, it was one blockbuster like Phil Taylor versus Raymond van Barneveld — that was something you’d switch your TV on for. Now, I don’t watch much when I’m home. I see these guys more often than I see my own family," he said with a smile.