Michael van Gerwen has withdrawn from the inaugural SUPERBET Poland Darts Open, marking his second consecutive darts event absence due to medical issues. Gerwyn Price has also pulled out of the tournament for similar reasons.
Event Details and Replacements
The Poland Darts Open takes place in Krakow from February 20-22, launching the 2026 European Tour. A £35,000 prize awaits the champion among 48 players, including world number one Luke Littler and 2023/24 World Champion Luke Humphries.
With both withdrawals occurring after the draw, former World Champion Michael Smith replaces Price, and two-time World Championship quarter-finalist Callan Rydz steps in for Van Gerwen. Both entrants start in round two on Saturday.
A PDC statement confirms: “Gerwyn Price and Michael van Gerwen have withdrawn from this weekend’s SUPERBET Poland Darts Open due to medical reasons.” It adds that Price exited following Night Three of the BetMGM Premier League, while Van Gerwen could not recover from the issue that sidelined him in Glasgow.
Premier League Background
Van Gerwen’s absence follows his withdrawal from Thursday’s BetMGM Premier League Night Three at the OVO Hydro in Glasgow due to illness. The seven-time Premier League champion had won Night One in Newcastle and finished runner-up to Price on Night Two in Antwerp.
Under tournament rules, Van Gerwen’s scheduled quarter-final opponent, Luke Littler, advances directly to the semi-finals, earning two league points and a +1 leg difference. Van Gerwen receives no points and a -6 leg difference.
Prior PDC statement on the Premier League withdrawal: “Michael van Gerwen has withdrawn from Thursday’s BetMGM Premier League action in Glasgow due to illness.”
