Michael van Gerwen delivered a sharp post-match critique directed at Luke Littler after ending the young star’s impressive Premier League winning streak. The clash unfolded on Thursday during the eleventh night of the Premier League Darts in Birmingham, where Littler, fresh off a strong campaign, made it all the way to the final.
The evening saw Littler take down formidable opponents Rob Cross and reigning world champion Luke Humphries, showcasing why he’s been one of the most exciting new names in darts. Van Gerwen, meanwhile, dispatched Nathan Aspinall and Michael Smith in his preceding matches, setting up a tantalizing final showdown between the experienced Dutchman and the up-and-coming Warrington teenager.
Making his Premier League debut fresh off an electrifying run at the PDC World Darts Championship, Littler had his sights set on a record-equalling third consecutive victory, having already triumphed in Manchester and Belfast. However, his dream run came to a halt as Van Gerwen secured a 6-3 victory, reminding everyone why he is known as ‘Mighty Mike.’
Despite Littler’s loss, the teenager remains at the top of the Premier League table with 26 points, a testament to his remarkable consistency and skill throughout the competition. Van Gerwen, currently third in the standings, trails by four points but was in no mood for excessive praise. Instead, the three-time world champion delivered an unfiltered assessment of the final and his rival’s performance.
Speaking to *Sports Boom*, Van Gerwen was characteristically blunt when asked about Littler being named on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, a nod to his growing prominence and impact on the sport. “But he didn’t win anything? That’s the worst thing!” Van Gerwen quipped. “When people don’t win anything, they can get into Forbes! What he’s done and created for the sport of darts is phenomenal, but with all due respect, he played crap tonight!”
Van Gerwen didn’t mince words, emphasizing his dissatisfaction with the overall level of play during the final. “I beat him in a crap game! That’s the reality of the moment. I’m happy with that, and we need to move on to the next one,” he added, reflecting his focus on continually improving and keeping his competitive edge.
The Dutchman’s victory over Littler serves as a reminder of the challenging and unpredictable nature of the Premier League Darts circuit. Littler, despite falling short on the night, has been a revelation, capturing the imagination of fans and pundits alike with his fearless performances and rapid rise. The young star’s journey from a promising talent to a Premier League frontrunner has been nothing short of sensational, and while he fell short of the hat-trick, his position atop the leaderboard underscores his credentials as a serious contender.
In the aftermath of the match, Littler remained resilient and focused on the future. Taking to social media, he expressed his disappointment at missing out on a third consecutive win but emphasized the positives from his run. “Disappointed to not get win #3 after making the final, but more points and still top,” he wrote. “We go after it again next week in Rotterdam.”
The next Premier League night in Rotterdam promises more high-stakes drama, with Van Gerwen, Littler, and the rest of the field vying for crucial points as the competition intensifies. Littler, undeterred by his defeat, will undoubtedly be motivated to bounce back and further solidify his place as one of darts’ brightest young stars. His competitive fire and determination to succeed have already earned him widespread admiration, and fans will eagerly watch his next moves.
Meanwhile, Van Gerwen’s victory and subsequent comments serve as a reminder of his status as one of darts’ most formidable competitors. Never one to shy away from speaking his mind, Van Gerwen’s mix of skill, bravado, and relentless pursuit of victory continues to make him a compelling figure on the circuit. His willingness to call out performances—whether his own or those of his rivals—highlights the competitive drive that has defined his storied career.
The rivalry between Van Gerwen and Littler, marked by this intense encounter, could be a preview of many future battles as the young upstart seeks to dethrone established legends. For now, the Premier League continues to offer a stage for moments of brilliance, disappointment, and everything in between, as darts’ best clash night after night in pursuit of glory. Littler’s journey is far from over, and Van Gerwen’s sharp words may only serve to fuel his determination. As the Premier League rolls on to Rotterdam, fans can look forward to more unforgettable showdowns and the continued evolution of one of the sport’s most promising stars.