Luke Littler teases Michael van Gerwen over slacking off ahead of World Matchplay tie

Luke Littler has fired shots at three-time world champion Michael van Gerwen for slacking off ahead of the pair’s World Matchplay tie next week.

After a visit to the British GP last weekend, Littler is gearing up for his maiden Matchplay appearance, having taken the world of darts by storm in his first season as a professional.

Narrowly missing out on the World Championship title against Luke Humphries, Littler put his disappointment behind him and stormed to victory in the Premier League earlier this year.

And if the teenager is going to taste victory at the Matchplay in Blackpool, he’ll have to do it the hard way, having been drawn against fellow Premier League star Van Gerwen in round one.

But that hasn’t stopped Littler from talking up his own game ahead of the blockbuster encounter, with the 17-year-old even taking a jibe at Van Gerwen’s preparations.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Littler said: “It’s always going to be interesting who I face, no matter who it is.

“Especially for myself, especially after watching Michael for years and years. We’ve played nine times now.

“I think he’s still on holiday at the minute, don’t know if he’s back yet, but I know I’m putting the work in.”

The Matchplay is considered one of the most prestigious events in darts, given it pits the best 32 players in the world against each other.

And if Littler makes it through his first-round clash against Van Gerwen, a tie against Joe Cullen could lie ahead in the next round.

But Littler has insisted he isn’t looking ahead to future rounds and is instead focused on taking it one match at a time.

He continued: “I’ve seen the names in my side of the draw and know if I do get past Michael I will fancy my chances against whoever wins their games.

“I think if I do get past Michael, I could go on another good run.”

Despite being among the best players at the oche in the world this year, Littler’s involvement at the Matchplay wasn’t always assured, given his relatively low ranking in the PDC Order of Merit.

Alas, Littler rose through the ranks to confirm his spot at the event in North West England, with the world No.24 proud of his showings so far in 2024.

He added: “It’s been good. I know myself what I had to put in, winning money on the Pro Tour and going to the Euro Tours and winning a few of them.

“And it’s got me in a good position to qualify for all the majors.”