NEWCASTLE’S Metro Radio Arena will stage a repeat of this month’s PDC World Darts Championship final as Michael van Gerwen takes on Gary Anderson on the opening night of the new Betway Premier League season.

The new Premier League campaign begins in the North-East on Thursday, February 2, with the fixtures for the opening rounds of the ten-player competition having been confirmed yesterday.

The headline attraction at Newcastle will be the rematch between reigning world champion, van Gerwen, and the player he beat in the final at Alexandra Palace.

Van Gerwen beat Anderson 7-3 to lift his second PDC World title, and is also the reigning Premier League champion, having beaten Phil Taylor in last May’s final at the O2 Arena.

Former World champions Raymond van Barneveld and Adrian Lewis will also meet at the Metro Radio Arena, with 2009 Premier League champion James Wade meeting Kim Huybrechts on the Belgian’s return to the event.

Another player making his second Premier League appearance, Jelle Klaasen, opens against World number three Peter Wright, with 16-time World champion Taylor due to take on Dave Chisnall.


2017 Betway Premier League

Night One – Thursday, February 2

Metro Radio Arena, Newcastle

Kim Huybrechts v James Wade

Raymond van Barneveld v Adrian Lewis

Phil Taylor v Dave Chisnall

Gary Anderson v Michael van Gerwen

Peter Wright v Jelle Klaasen

Tickets: 0844 493 6666 or via www.eventim.co.uk