It's all changed now as Luke Littler hits two 180s to hold throw quick as a flash to cut the gap to just a leg and pile on the pressure.

Image source, PA Media

Gian van Veen misses his first double of the match trying to take out 87, and Luke Littler takes advantage to take out the same finish to break the throw.

There's a point to the crowd by Littler in a sign that he's really under pressure in this one, but that's usually when he steps on the gas.

Luke Littler misses the bull and Gian van Veen steps in to take out 56 eventually on double 10 with his last dart to go 4-1 in front.

Van Veen even had to change his grip on that final dart but kept his cool brilliantly to settle himself and then hit the target for a commanding lead.

Image source, Reuters

A big miss from the world number one who sets up a break of throw but then misses a fat 20 badly as it slips into the five and the chance is lost.

Gian van Veen then takes out 96 in two darts to hold and go 3-1 ahead.

John Part
Former PDC world champion on Sky Sports

The way to start a run is to claim a scalp because then you put the fear into everyone.

Excellent stuff from Gian van Veen who takes out 128 on the bullseye to break the Luke Littler throw and lead the match.

He's not won a game since week four but Van Veen is really talented and he's showing some decent form at the start of this match.

Really good response from Gian van Veen with a comfortable hold to level the match. That will be a nice settler for the Dutchman.

Dan Dawson
Commentator on Sky Sports

Gian van Veen already looks far, far better than he did last week.

Image source, Reuters

Luke Littler leaves 170... but for once he doesn't reel in the big fish. He does win the leg though with a 14-dart hold of throw.

Gian van Veen looks better than last week, but not sure that'll be enough.

John Part
Former PDC world champion on Sky Sports

Sometimes it can be freeing to play Luke Littler. You don't have to make up an excuse if you lose to him. There is a freedom.

The Nuke has been firing in recent weeks, Gian van Veen has been in hospital with kidney stones, so only one winner here, right?

Thumbs up for Van Veen, down for Littler.

Image source, Getty Images

Gian van Veen won the only previous meeting in the Premier League this season, but Luke Littler has hit his form since then while the Dutchman has had those kidney stones.

It's seen Van Veen slip to sixth in the table and needing to act quickly to climb back up again, so this World Championship final rematch is a big one.

Littler has won back-to-back weeks and three out of the last four so has really hit his stride - ominously he's been getting better each week.

And the Warrington thrower will have plenty of support in Manchester tonight too - this is a really tough spot for Van Veen.

Wayne Mardle
Former World Matchplay finalist on Sky Sports

Gian van Veen needs to be 100% - you're not going to get away with a sub-par performance against Luke Littler right now.

I fear for Van Veen in this particular game. You know Littler will play to a standard that is going to push the opponent.

Van Veen didn't have a lot last week as he continues to recover. I hope there is improvement tonight.

He has played well in the Premier League but he hasn't got a lot to show for it.

Gian van Veen talking to Sky Sports about his recovery from kidney stones: "I feel way better than last week. I am getting there but I am maybe not up to full fitness. I am ready for it."

On whether Luke Littler can bring the best out of him: "I hope so. I need it as well. You have to be on your best to even give him a game. I know what it is like to beat him, I have done it before. I know what I need to bring on the stage."

On whether the play-offs are still the goal: "Absolutely. The past two weeks haven't done a great difference for my leg difference as well. I'm probably going to need a couple of night wins as well. I know I can do it and I feel much better than the past couple of weeks and I'm excited to go again."

John Part
Former PDC world champion on Sky Sports

Luke Littler was very consistent last week. He played really well and he's been building up to this performance level and consistency in the Premir League.

He'll be thinking everything is going well and where he wants it to be.

Image source, Getty Images

Gian van Veen started the Premier League well, making three of the first four finals despite not managing a victory.

He had to miss night seven in Dublin due to having kidney stones surgery and was nowhere near his best when he returned in Berlin to lose 6-1 to Gerwyn Price.

Van Veen may have been better resting last week as well and just take the 6-0 default loss, but maybe he's back to full strength this week and can get back on track.

He'll need to be facing an in-form Littler first up.

Sam Drury
BBC Sport at AO Arena

Image source, Reuters

Luke Humphries spent plenty of that match berating himself but when your opponent averages 104.46 and is 85.74% on the doubles then you aren't going to win too often.

Very impressive from Gezzy.

Image source, Getty Images

Luke Humphries has a dart at tops to hold his throw but he never looked confident as it dropped well low.

Gerwyn Price is red hot on his doubles tonight though and he makes no mistake to complete a fine victory.

Both men averaged over 100, Price 104.46 and Humphries 101.64 but there's a huge gap in terms of the doubles - Price missing just one out of his seven attempts while Humphries hit just two of six.

A 180 opener gets the fans excited that Gerwyn Price can hit a nine-darter for the third straight year here in Manchester.

He can't, but he can go out in 11 darts and on his own throw that's more than good enough to go one away from victory.

A welcome hold from Luke Humphries but it's a break of throw he badly needs.