Nathan Aspinall was given the nod after reaching the World Championship quarter-finals
Luke Littler will look to defend his crown when the competition begins in Belfast next month
‘I didn’t think that explanation was fair,’ added De Decker. ‘After my Grand Prix victory, I said that I might not be ready and I don’t regret that. But afterwards I confirmed at other tournaments that I can compete with the world’s best.
Reigning Premier League champion Luke Littler, still revelling in his stunning World Championship triumph at Alexandra Palace earlier this month, has been joined by World No 1 Luke Humphries in the popular competition.
De Decker won the Grand Prix but missed the cut for the prestigious eight-man tournament
‘They did not deserve it,’ De Decker said, taking aim at both players. ‘Suddenly they reach a quarter-final at the World Championships and they are there.
Darts star Mike De Decker has lashed out at his shock Premier League snub, labelling the decision to overlook him as ‘scandalous’ and ‘s***’.
Michael van Gerwen, Rob Cross, Price, Stephen Bunting, Aspinall and Chris Dobey make up the rest of the line-up, with the showpiece starting in Belfast on February 6.
Darts star Mike De Decker has reacted furiously to his surprise Premier League snub
‘Only at the World Championships it didn’t work out. S*** and a shame that it happened then, but still. I do feel ready.’
World No 1 Luke Humphries will headline the Premier League action alongside Littler
The 29-year-old climbed the world rankings to No 24 after a mixed year on the circuit, having also been eliminated in the early rounds at the World Championship, European Championship and the Grand Slam of Darts.