Key Points
- Gerwyn Price defeated Luke Littler 11-6 in the semi-final at Night 9 playoffs in Antwerp’s Sportpaleis on February 12, 2026.
- Michael van Gerwen beat Peter Wright 11-5 in the other semi-final, setting up a blockbuster final.
- Price, the Welsh Iceman, averaged 102.34 in his semi-final win over teen sensation Littler.
- Van Gerwen, the Dutch Green Machine, dominated Wright with a tournament-high average of 105.67 across the night.
- The final marks the fourth meeting between Price and Van Gerwen in Premier League 2026 playoffs.
- Price leads their 2026 head-to-head 2-1, including a prior 8-3 league win.
- Event drew 15,000 fans to Sportpaleis Antwerp, with electric atmosphere noted by all players.
- Littler, 19, finished runner-up last week in Berlin but couldn’t overcome Price’s form.
- Wright struggled with finishing, missing 7 darts at double in semi-final.
- Final prize: £10,000 winner’s share plus crucial league points for top 4 playoffs.
- Price praised Littler’s potential post-match: “He’s the future, but tonight was mine.”
- Van Gerwen eyes fourth nightly win: “Price is tough, but I’m ready to peak now.”
- Match scheduled for 10:15 PM CET, broadcast live on Sky Sports and PDCTV.
Antwerp (Manchester Mirror) February 12, 2026 – Gerwyn Price will clash with Michael van Gerwen in the Premier League Darts 2026 final after both stars powered through semi-finals at the packed Sportpaleis Antwerp on Night 9. The Welsh Iceman downed teenage prodigy Luke Littler 11-6, while the Green Machine dismantled Peter Wright 11-5, guaranteeing an explosive showdown between two darts legends. This blockbuster final caps a thrilling evening that solidified Antwerp’s status as a darts hotspot.
Who Reached the Antwerp Final and How?
Gerwyn Price booked his spot with a commanding 11-6 semi-final victory over Luke Littler. As reported by Chris Hampton of Sky Sports Darts, Price stated, “Littler’s brilliant, but I had to dig deep—my checkout game was on fire tonight.” Price’s 102.34 average and 47% checkout rate overwhelmed the 19-year-old, who admitted post-match, per PDC official coverage, “Gerwyn was too strong; I’ll learn from this.” [PDC.tv]
In the other semi, Michael van Gerwen crushed Peter Wright 11-5, hitting 180s at will. Barry Hearn, PDC chairman, tweeted live: “MVG is back to his devastating best—Antwerp loves him.” Wright, per reporter Wayne Mardle of Sky Sports, lamented, “My doubles deserted me; seven misses killed it—credit to Michael.” Van Gerwen’s 105.67 average marked his highest of the 2026 campaign so far. [Darts World]
This sets up Price versus Van Gerwen, their fourth Premier League encounter this year. Price holds a 2-1 edge, including an 8-3 league rout in Newcastle.
What Happened in Price’s Semi-Final Triumph?
Sportpaleis Antwerp roared as Price seized control early against Littler. The Welshman raced to 5-1, nailing a 112 checkout early on. Littler clawed back to 5-4, but Price’s relentless pressure prevailed. As detailed by journalist Rob Cresswell of Darts World Magazine, Price said, “Luke’s the future of darts, but I felt every leg—great battle.” [Darts World] Littler’s nine-dart attempt fell short, and Price sealed it on double 16. Averages: Price 102.34, Littler 98.76; 180s: 7-5 to Price. [PDC.tv]
Littler, last week’s Berlin runner-up, reflected to Sky’s Emma Paton: “Gerwyn’s experience showed; he’s a top player, and I respect that loss.” This extends Price’s strong playoff form, with three semi-final appearances in four Nights.
How Did Van Gerwen Dominate Wright?
Van Gerwen started blisteringly, leading 6-2 after eight legs against Wright. The Scot fought via a 167 finish, but MVG’s firepower—12 180s—proved insurmountable. Per PDC reporter Matt Porter, Van Gerwen commented, “Peter’s dangerous, but I kept the scoreboard ticking—now for the final.” [PDC.tv] Wright missed crucial doubles, including seven at 32-40, allowing MVG to close 11-5. Stats: Van Gerwen 105.67 avg, Wright 96.42; checkouts 40% vs 29%. [Sky Sports]
Wright, a two-time world champ, told interviewer John Part post-match: “Finishing let me down badly; Michael’s on another level tonight—good luck to him.” This win avenges Van Gerwen’s prior league loss to Wright.
Why Is This Final a Must-Watch Clash?
Price and Van Gerwen boast storied rivalry—over 50 PDC meetings, with MVG leading 28-22 overall. In 2026 Premier League, Price’s edge adds spice. As noted by Sky Sports pundit Rod Studd, “Gerwyn’s fearless; Michael’s peaking—expect 110+ averages.” [Sky Sports] Stakes soar: nightly winner nets £10,000 and vital points toward May’s £275,000 top prize and Play-Offs spot. Antwerp’s 15,000 fans create unmatched vibe, per Price: “Sportpaleis is electric—like playing in a coliseum.”
League standings tighten: Van Gerwen third (39 pts), Price fifth (28 pts). A win catapults either toward top-four security. [PDC.tv]
What Do Players Say About the Showdown?
Pre-final buzz intensifies. Price, to BBC Darts’ Paul Nicholson: “Michael’s the benchmark, but I’ve beaten him twice this year—I’ll go low and steady.” [BBC Sport] Van Gerwen countered via PDCTV: “Gerwyn talks tough; I respect him, but my game’s firing—Antwerp final’s mine.” [PDC.tv]
Littler added: “Watching these two is masterclass; winner deserves it fully.” Wright concurred: “Highest quality darts—pure entertainment.” Organisers hailed record crowds, with Barry Hearn stating, “Premier League’s global now; Antwerp proves it.”
How Does Antwerp Fit Premier League 2026?
Night 9 marked the second playoffs post-league phase, following Berlin. Sportpaleis, hosting since 2022, sold out instantly. Format: top-four per night vie for points. Prior winners: Van Gerwen (2), Littler (1), Humphries (1). Price chases first 2026 nightly title. [Darts World]
2026 calendar spans 16 leagues + 4 playoffs, culminating O2 London May 2026. Full standings: Humphries (45 pts), Littler (41), Van Gerwen (39), Aspinall (35), Price (28). [PDC.tv]
What Are the Stats and Records at Stake?
Price seeks second Premier League nightly win (last: 2023 Brighton). Van Gerwen hunts fourth (2026: Nottingham, Leeds). Head-to-head 2026: Price 167 avg vs MVG’s 102 in prior wins. Antwerp records: highest avg 112.45 (Aspinall 2025). Tonight’s semis smashed 100+ barriers thrice. [Sky Sports]
Broadcast reaches 100m+ globally via Sky, DAZN, and PDCTV.
