Michael van Gerwen has climbed to sixth place on the PDC Order of Merit after reaching the semi-finals of the Czech Darts Open in Prague. The 37-year-old Dutchman earned £10,000 for his run, which saw him defeat Mario Vandenbogaerde, compatriot Wessel Nijman, and Jonny Clayton before falling in the last four. That payday was enough to overtake James Wade and move within striking distance of the top five, a welcome boost after slipping to his lowest ranking since 2012 earlier this year.
Van Gerwen's semi-final appearance was his 64th on the European Tour. The three-time world champion will have further chances to climb in the coming months, as his results late in 2024 were less impressive, leaving ranking points available at upcoming majors. However, he faces a significant challenge defending £200,000 from his run to the 2024/25 World Championship final at Alexandra Palace in December. Aside from the World Matchplay, the £10,000 earned in Prague was his best payday since winning Players Championship 15 in May.
Ross Smith continued his rise, moving up to 14th after reaching the quarter-finals in Prague, where he earned £8,000. That result saw him leapfrog Chris Dobey. Smith has now collected more than £250,000 in prize money since the start of 2026, placing him among the top four earners this year. Stephen Bunting, meanwhile, endured another disappointing weekend, losing his opening match to Luke Woodhouse and dropping one place to 10th as Gary Anderson moved past him. Bunting, who started 2026 ranked seventh, has won just four of his last nine European Tour matches.
Wessel Nijman continued his rapid ascent, climbing to 12th in the world after reaching the last 16 in Prague, where he lost 6-4 to Van Gerwen. Nijman has now won eight ProTour titles and earned £292,000 in 2026, more than any player except world number one Luke Littler. Keane Barry also gained two places to World No.54 after reaching the last 16, moving ahead of Mensur Suljovic and Ian White, while Jeffrey de Graaf climbed two spots to 46th, overtaking Gabriel Clemens.
Other notable movers include Ryan Searle and Chris Dobey, both up one place to 13th and 15th respectively. Mario Vandenbogaerde rose two spots to 66th, with Thibault Tricole and Max Hopp each up one to 67th and 68th as they battle to keep Tour cards. Beau Greaves also moved up to 76th after another European Tour appearance, but with the top 64 cutoff looming, she faces a race against time to retain her Women's Series eligibility.