The Premier League Darts 2026 continues to captivate audiences worldwide, and Night 4 on February 26 at Belfast’s SSE Arena provided yet another chapter of high drama, precision throwing, and career-defining moments. Stephen Bunting, often under scrutiny early in the season, produced a masterclass to claim his first nightly win of the campaign, defeating Gian van Veen 6-2 in a clinical final. This triumph not only silenced doubters but also propelled the 40-year-old Englishman up the standings, reminding everyone why he belongs among the sport’s elite. For online readers passionate about Premier League Darts 2026, this night underscored the tournament’s unpredictable nature and the enduring appeal of top-tier competition.
Moreover, the evening belonged equally to local hero Josh Rock, who etched his name into Premier League Darts history by landing the first nine-darter of 2026. The roar from the Belfast crowd during that perfect leg highlighted the unique atmosphere that only a home event can generate. While Rock ultimately fell 6-2 to van Veen in the quarter-finals, his achievement created lasting memories and injected fresh excitement into the debutant’s campaign. Transitioning smoothly between these highlights, the night also exposed ongoing challenges for established stars like Luke Littler, whose struggles added another layer of intrigue to the evolving 2026 narrative.
Stephen Bunting’s Path to Glory: Silencing Critics in Style
Stephen Bunting entered Night 4 without a single victory across the first three weeks, a run that had fueled intense online debate and even prompted him to step away from social media. Yet the Bullet responded in the best possible way, registering his highest-ever Premier League average of 106.63 in a hard-fought 6-4 quarter-final win over defending champion Luke Humphries.
Furthermore, Bunting maintained that momentum in the semi-finals, delivering a stunning 6-0 whitewash against league leader Jonny Clayton with another 106 average. This marked the first whitewash of the 2026 Premier League Darts season and showcased Bunting’s ability to elevate his game against the very best. In the final, he controlled proceedings from early breaks, eventually closing out a 6-2 victory over van Veen on double top. Post-match, Bunting reflected on the significance: “I do believe I am one of the best players in the world – I deserve to be in the Premier League. Everyone was writing me off, but I know how hard I work behind the scenes. These are the nights I play for.”
His comments resonated deeply with fans of Premier League Darts 2026, emphasising mental resilience forged from past setbacks, including a difficult debut campaign the previous year. By juggling family commitments and seeking hypnotherapy support, Bunting demonstrated the holistic preparation required at this level, turning potential adversity into a springboard for success.
Josh Rock’s Nine-Darter Magic Lights Up Belfast Crowd
In parallel, Josh Rock’s contribution transformed the quarter-finals into an unforgettable spectacle. The 24-year-old Northern Irishman, making his Premier League debut, trailed van Veen but produced a flawless 180-180-180-T20-T19-T18-D12 sequence in the seventh leg to complete the first nine-darter of the 2026 season. The SSE Arena erupted in celebration as the hometown favourite raised his arms in pure delight.
Rock later shared his emotions: “My body is in overdrive. I’m shaking like a leaf. I’ve never played in the Premier League, never mind a nine-darter in Belfast. Never mind the loss – throwing a nine-darter in front of the home crowd is a huge achievement. I don’t care if I never throw a nine-darter again – this is a dream come true.” Former semi-finalist Wayne Mardle praised the composure required but urged improvement: “He needs to start putting performances together… There is so much more to come from Josh Rock.”
Despite the 6-2 defeat and a fourth consecutive opening-match loss, Rock’s checkout percentage and scoring output remain areas for growth. Nevertheless, the nine-darter – the 20th in Premier League history – provided an emotional high that will fuel his campaign moving forward.
Broader Night Four Insights and Key Match Outcomes
Elsewhere, world number one Luke Littler endured further frustration, falling 3-6 to Clayton in the quarter-finals and managing just one win across four nights. His finishing woes (3/13 on doubles) contrasted sharply with the clinical displays elsewhere. Gian van Veen, meanwhile, impressed by reaching his third final in four weeks, including a dramatic 6-5 semi-final victory over Gerwyn Price that featured a 160 checkout. Michael van Gerwen suffered a narrow 5-6 defeat to Price, highlighting the razor-thin margins that define Premier League Darts 2026.
To capture the night’s structure and outcomes clearly:
Premier League Darts 2026 Night Four Results – SSE Arena, Belfast (February 26)
| Stage | Match | Score | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quarter-final | Luke Littler vs Jonny Clayton | 3-6 | Clayton advances with strong finishing |
| Quarter-final | Stephen Bunting vs Luke Humphries | 6-4 | Bunting posts 106.63 average |
| Quarter-final | Michael van Gerwen vs Gerwyn Price | 5-6 | Price wins decider |
| Quarter-final | Gian van Veen vs Josh Rock | 6-2 | Rock hits first 9-darter of season |
| Semi-final | Jonny Clayton vs Stephen Bunting | 0-6 | First whitewash of 2026 |
| Semi-final | Gerwyn Price vs Gian van Veen | 5-6 | Van Veen seals with 160 checkout |
| Final | Stephen Bunting vs Gian van Veen | 6-2 | Bunting claims first nightly win |
This table illustrates the progression and pivotal moments that defined an electric evening for Premier League Darts enthusiasts.
Updated Premier League Darts 2026 Table After Night Four
| Position | Player | Points | Nights Won | Matches Won | Leg Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jonny Clayton | 11 | 1 | 6 | +12 |
| 2 | Gian van Veen | 9 | 0 | 6 | +2 |
| 3 | Michael van Gerwen | 8 | 1 | 5 | +6 |
| 4 | Gerwyn Price | 7 | 1 | 4 | +1 |
| 5 | Stephen Bunting | 5 | 1 | 3 | +3 |
| 6 | Luke Humphries | 4 | 0 | 2 | -3 |
| 7 | Luke Littler | 4 | 0 | 1 | -10 |
| 8 | Josh Rock | 0 | 0 | 0 |
-16 |
The standings reveal a tightly contested race, with Bunting’s five-point haul moving him firmly into playoff contention territory. Points are awarded as two for a quarter-final win, one extra for a semi-final, and five for nightly victory, ensuring every leg counts toward the May 28 O2 Arena finale.
What the Belfast Night Means for the 2026 Campaign
As the Premier League Darts 2026 progresses, Night 4 served as a pivotal reset for several narratives. Bunting’s success proved that early struggles can be overcome through hard work and belief, inspiring fans who appreciate the mental side of professional darts. Rock’s nine-darter, meanwhile, injected local pride and global buzz, reminding viewers why live events remain irreplaceable.
However, the evening also spotlighted areas for improvement. Littler’s slow start raises questions yet leaves ample time for recovery, given 12 nights remain. Van Veen’s consistency in reaching finals without converting them suggests a need for clutch finishing under pressure. Overall, the depth of talent across the eight-player field ensures that no result can be taken for granted.
Looking Ahead: Night Five in Cardiff and Beyond
Anticipation now builds for Night 5 on March 5 at Utilita Arena, Cardiff, where the quarter-finals pit Michael van Gerwen against Luke Humphries, Gian van Veen versus Jonny Clayton, Gerwyn Price against Stephen Bunting, and Luke Littler versus Josh Rock. This lineup promises further fireworks, with Bunting carrying fresh confidence and Rock seeking to build on his nine-darter momentum.
In the broader context of Premier League Darts 2026, the Belfast results reinforce the tournament’s format strengths: a league phase that rewards consistency while allowing breakout nights to shake up the table. Top-four qualification for the O2 play-offs remains the goal, decided first by points, then nights won, and finally matches won.
For dedicated followers of Premier League Darts, this night exemplified everything that makes the sport compelling – raw talent, emotional highs, and relentless competition. Stephen Bunting’s victory and Josh Rock’s nine-darter have already become talking points, setting a high bar for the weeks ahead. As the caravan moves to Cardiff and beyond, the 2026 edition continues to deliver the drama, skill, and stories that keep fans engaged long after the final double is hit. Whether celebrating Bunting’s resurgence or Rock’s hometown heroics, one thing remains clear: the Premier League Darts 2026 is delivering unforgettable moments at every turn.
The coming nights will test character and precision further, but Belfast has already provided a blueprint for excellence under pressure. Fans can expect continued evolution in the standings, with each player chasing the £350,000 top prize and the prestigious title. In the end, nights like February 26 prove why this competition stands as the pinnacle of professional darts – a stage where legends are made and dreams, like a perfect leg in front of 10,000 cheering fans, truly come alive.
