Van Gerwen remaining focused in Play-Off race

Michael van Gerwen (Lawrence Lustig, PDC)

Michael van Gerwen is aiming to remain focused in the race for Unibet Premier League Play-Off places over the next four nights.

The Premier League resumes on Wednesday with the first of four final league nights behind closed doors in Milton Keynes, as the eight stars battle to finish in the top four ahead of October's Play-Offs.

Van Gerwen will take on World Champion Peter Wright, current Premier League leader Glen Durrant, long-time rival Gary Anderson and two-time TV event winner Daryl Gurney in his remaining matches.

However, the Dutchman is facing a rare battle to secure a Play-Off place, sitting third in a congested league table following the six nights held last week.

Speaking to PDC partners Selco ahead of Wednesday's tie with Wright, Van Gerwen said: "There's nothing to worry about.

"I just need to make sure I keep my focus going but if you play those players your focus will be there because you want to perform against them.

"Of course, it's going to tough but I'm looking forward to those games. I want to win all four, simple as that, and I'm going to see day by day.

"I don't want to make mistakes and look too far ahead because every game is difficult enough, and you need to make sure you focus on one game."

Van Gerwen enjoyed a mixed six nights when the Premier League resumed, winning three of his six games - but Sunday's improved performance in a win over Michael Smith was a boost for the world number one.

"I think I did well at the really important moments because I had to win those two points," he reflected. "All the pressure was on me but you need to battle back.

"I knew I had it in me but you still have to do it on stage and there was no room for losing at that moment. Of course there are a few things I have tidy up a little but, but I think the last two days I played, Saturday and Sunday, were alright.

"It's been really up and down but that's part of life - not always everything goes your way and sometimes you have to fight a little bit harder for the wins.

"That's happening but at least I'm capable of fighting and I'm doing what I have to do at the right moments."

Live coverage of Unibet Premier League Night 12 will be shown on Sky Sports, as well as through the PDC's international broadcast partners including RTL7 and DAZN and for PDCTV Rest of the World Subscribers.

Unibet Premier League
Night 13
Wednesday September 2 (1900 BST)

Marshall Arena, Milton Keynes
Glen Durrant v Michael Smith
Daryl Gurney v Gary Anderson 
Peter Wright v Michael van Gerwen 
Gerwyn Price v Nathan Aspinall