Luke Littler showed his class with a brilliant response to Michael van Gerwen's "baby" comments ahead of their Premier League Darts opener in Belfast. In the build-up to Thursday's clash at the SSE Arena, a far-from-pleased Van Gerwen said his opponent “needs to learn” after the world champion turned up late for a Premier League press event.

The teenager hit the headlines prior to the first night of Premier League Darts 2025 in Belfast after he was called out by his fierce rival Michael van Gerwen for being late to a press event, leaving all seven of his fellow competitors waiting around for him. The Dutchman was furious and urged the PDC to 'stop treating him [Littler] like a baby'.

Littler destroyed the Dutchman in the World Championship final at Alexandra Palace last month to lift the Sid Waddell Trophy for the first time.

Michael Van Gerwen has criticised world champion Luke Littler for his poor time keeping after the 18-year-old arrived 45 minutes late for a media day in Belfast.

Michael van Gerwen has hit out at Luke Littler after the teenager turned up late to his media duties ahead of the opening night of the Premier League in Belfast

Michael van Gerwen has launched a scathing attack on teenage darts sensation Luke Littler after the 18-year-old arrived 45 minutes late to a Premier League media launch in Belfast. The three-time world champion expressed his frustration as he and other competitors were left waiting for the delayed teenager to arrive at the event.