Michael van Gerwen has warned Luke Littler that {the teenager}’s standing as Premier League Darts defending champion will depend for nothing once they meet on the opening evening of the 2025 competitors.
Littler final yr emulated Van Gerwen’s 2013 feat of successful the Premier League on debut, earlier than ‘The Nuke’ went on to say his maiden World Darts Championship title in January by beating the Dutchman within the remaining.
The 18-year-old beat Van Gerwen once more later in January on the Dutch Darts Masters to additional enhance a one-sided head-to-head report, however the six-time Premier League champion is unfazed heading into their headline opening-night conflict in Belfast on Thursday.
Van Gerwen informed Sky Sports activities: “I received on my debut, towards Phil Taylor as properly.
“However that is going to be a unique day once more. Everybody needs to win however there solely will be one winner. In fact, everybody goes to wish their factors, however it’s important to take it week by week as a result of it is a lengthy 17 weeks.
“It’s a tough format. It’s only short, so you have to be sharp constantly straight from the beginning, and if you do well there’s another two games waiting. I love performing in this tournament so I don’t see any problems with this one.”
Van Gerwen appeared to have discovered one thing close to his greatest kind on his solution to the ultimate at Alexandra Palace as he sought a primary world title since 2019, however was blown away within the remaining as Littler received 7-3 to say his maiden crown.
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Van Gerwen ditched his customary inexperienced shirt for his opening match on the World Masters. (credit score: ITV Sport)
The Dutchman added: “Most of the tournament I produced some really good darts and also my mental aspect of the game I think it was good.
“To lose is at all times annoying however I get a variety of positives out of this World Championship marketing campaign and shifting forwards I believe it solely might help me.”
Littler: I’ve got most of the wins over MVG
Littler appeared in confident mood as he targeted a “fast begin” against Van Gerwen on Thursday.
“Clearly, I’ve bought a lot of the wins over Michael,” Littler told Sky Sports. “However I am simply hoping for an additional fast begin and to ensure two factors on the board.
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Littler hit a nine-darter in the course of the Premier League Play-Off remaining at London’s O2 area
“It feels amazing to come back and defend the Premier League, coming in as a world champion whereas last year you could say I was a wild card.
“I am filled with confidence however darts might be higher than what it was this time final yr. However I am hoping to get the win over Michael.”
Littler admits the best-of-11-legs format only serves to increase his confidence.
He said: “I completely love the format. That is the format I swimsuit most. Get off to a fast begin, win the primary two or three legs after which it’s onerous for the opponent to return again at me.”
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Van Gerwen praised ‘star’ Littler after his defeat within the World Darts Championship remaining
Making his Premier League debut shortly after bursting onto the skilled scene on the 2023/2024 World Darts Championship, Littler admitted he discovered the event’s intense schedule difficult.
However worryingly for his rivals, he believes his expertise from final yr will solely increase his possibilities this time round.
He mentioned: “The travel is probably one of the worst parts but I can take what happened last year and bring it into this year. I know what’s coming, I know what to expect and I can say I’m used to the schedule now.”
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