Luke Littler's Premier League opener comes against old foe desperate for revenge as he looks to defend title
WATCH NOW: Paul Coyte discusses the latest sport headlines January 22 2025
Luke Littler will begin his Premier League Darts title defence against Michael van Gerwen in Belfast on February 6, setting up an immediate rematch of their World Championship final.
The 18-year-old, who defeated Van Gerwen 7-3 at Alexandra Palace earlier this month to claim the world title, enters as the 11-8 favourite to retain his Premier League crown.
The opening night showdown at the SSE Arena will see the reigning champion face the Dutchman in what promises to be a blockbuster start to the 2025 campaign.
The opening night in Belfast will also feature world number one Luke Humphries taking on Nathan Aspinall.
Luke Littler won the Premier League last year in his maiden campaign
PA
Chris Dobey faces Gerwyn Price in the first quarter-final of the evening.
Stephen Bunting and Rob Cross complete the Night One line-up in what will be a knockout format to determine the evening's winner.
All matches from the Premier League season will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
The Premier League sees eight players compete across 16 weekly events in a round-robin style competition.
Points are awarded based on nightly performance, with winners receiving five points, runners-up earning three and semi-finalists collecting two.
Each night follows a knockout format, with quarter-finals leading to semi-finals and a final to crown an evening champion.
The top four players in the league table after the 16 regular nights will advance to the play-offs at London's O2 Arena.
Following the Belfast opener, the roadshow moves to Glasgow, where Littler faces Rob Cross in week two.
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Luke Littler beat Michael van Gerwen earlier this month to become world champion
Reuters
The tournament then visits Dublin, where Littler meets Gerwyn Price in another headline clash.
Price will have home support when the Premier League visits Cardiff on night seven.
Rotterdam Ahoy hosts night 11, with Van Gerwen playing in front of his home crowd.
Leeds fan Luke Humphries gets his homecoming on night 14 at the First Direct Arena, before the regular season concludes in Sheffield on May 22.
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Michael van Gerwen was also reigning Premier League champion before Luke Littler took that off him too
Reuters
The play-offs at London's O2 Arena on May 29 will feature the top four players from the league table battling for the title.
The winner of the Premier League will claim a £275,000 prize.
Notable absentees from this year's competition include top-ten ranked players Johnny Clayton, Damon Heta and Dave Chisnall.
Former champions Peter Wright, Michael Smith and two-time winner Gary Anderson have also missed out on selection for the 2025 campaign.
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