- Littler fell to a 6-4 defeat against Van Gerwen in their clash on Thursday night
Luke Littler fell to a 6-4 defeat in his Premier League Darts opener against Michael van Gerwen on Thursday evening.
There had been plenty of debate surrounding Littler, 18, ahead of the competition – after he turned up late for a photoshoot with his rival players.
Perhaps that was in the forefront of Van Gerwen’s mind as he clinched a thrilling last-leg decider against the teenager to secure a vital win on the opening night.
Despite the loss, Littler still scored an impressive 113.91 average on the night – which is a record in Belfast for a defeat.
Van Gerwen’s victory over Littler comes just days after the Dutchman called out his 18-year-old rival and said he ‘has to learn’ after oversleeping for a photoshoot.
Eight players were due to get in front of the cameras for a pre-event photoshoot in Belfast on Wednesday afternoon, but Littler arrived 45 minutes late after over-sleeping.
Seven-time Premier League champion Van Gerwen was vocal in his criticism of Littler, while he suggested PDC bosses were treating the 18-year-old like a baby.
Van Gerwen said: ’45 minutes late, you mean. They need to stop treating him like a baby. He’s not a baby anymore, he’s 18-years-old now.
‘It happens. He has to learn. You have to learn the hard way. It’s a professional sport so you have to be responsible for your actions. Simple as that.
‘If he turns up late for an interview, I don’t mind! But seven other people are waiting for him. That’s not very nice, is it?’
More to follow…
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