Michael van Gerwen criticises Luke Littler’s level despite Premier League win

Littler and Van Gerwen

Luke Littler and Michael van Gerwen have had some tense darts battles

Michael van Gerwen believes Luke Littler struggled to reach his usual high standards despite beating the Dutchman in the quarter-final of Premier League Darts night ten. Littler went on to triumph on his Manchester homecoming to record successive victories in the tournament.

The 17-year-old sensation has climbed to the top of the Premier League Darts standings after overcoming a small wobble in form. But Van Gerwen was not hugely impressed with his opponent’s 6-3 victory.

Three-time PDC world champion Van Gerwen insisted that neither player played well, but pointed out Littler’s inconsistency in their matches. He feels that the Brit struggles to maintain a ‘level’ when they compete against each other.

“It was a very bad match from both of us,” Van Gerwen told Viaplay. “The feeling was definitely not right with me. But actually I haven’t played a single really good game against him.

Michael van Gerwen

Michael van Gerwen has been unhappy with his own form in recent weeks (Image: Getty)

“With Luke it is often all or nothing against me as well, either he throws insanely well or he reaches such a level as he did today.

“I’m not in the best phase of my career at the moment and when you can still win matches like that it gives you the confidence you need. So it’s quite unfortunate that it didn’t work out tonight. I just have to take this defeat on the chin.”

Van Gerwen claimed in a separate interview prior to their meeting that Littler has never looked “comfortable” when playing against him and had never won by a “convincing” margin. He was made to rue those comments with a comfortable defeat on the oche.