Newly released PDC darts world rankings have seen Michael van Gerwen drop all the way down to fifth.

A significant weekend of change atop the world rankings saw the 32-year-old darts legend suffer his lowest position in a decade by dropping two places.

It comes after Van Gerwen, who was world number one for seven years from 2014 onwards, suffered a surprise early exit to Australian Damon Heta at the UK Open in Minehead.

The Green Machine was leapfrogged by James Wade – who moved up to third – while another Englishman in Michael Smith climbed up into fourth position ahead of the Dutchman.

Meanwhile, reigning World Champion and World Matchplay winner Peter Wright claimed the top spot, becoming PDC world number one for the first time in his career.

In doing so, Wright ended Gerwyn Price’s 14-month reign at the top of the PDC Order of Merit.

He became the 11th different number one since the WDC/PDC’s formation in 1992.

It follows the Scot’s last 16 defeat to William O’Connor in Minehead on Sunday, before Danny Noppert secured a thrilling victory in the final.

Do you think Michael van Gerwen has lost his aura of invincibility? Let us know in the comments section.

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Wright currently holds a slender £21,000 lead over Price on the Order of Merit as the pair look to compete for the top spot throughout the season.

Price, 37, will hope to emulate his 2021 success at Ally Pally later this year in a bit to claim the £500,000 winner’s prize money.

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