Luke Littler: Michael van Gerwen says 17-year-old is a generational talent after World Darts Championship title
Luke Littler has been described as a generational talent by Michael van Gerwen after the Dutchman suffered a 7-3 defeat in Friday's World Darts Championship final; watch the new Premier League Darts season, beginning in Belfast on Thursday February 6, live on Sky Sports
Friday 3 January 2025 23:43, UK
Luke Littler has been described as a generational talent by his vanquished opponent Michael van Gerwen after the 17-year-old sealed an historic World Darts Championship triumph.
Van Gerwen had caused Littler more trouble than anyone else on tour in 2024 but the teenager got the better of proceedings when it mattered most.
Littler's 7-3 triumph dashed Van Gerwen's hopes of a fourth career crown in his seventh final.
For the Dutchman, the wait for a first title since 2019 goes on and, although he has shown glimpses of his best throughout, defeat cements his position in Littler's shadow.
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"I come 4-0 behind and after that I didn't do myself justice but that's the way it is," Van Gerwen told Sky Sports.
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"You need to try and fight and battle back but after coming back from 4-0 down I was definitely not the worst player out of us but fair play to him.
"Every moment he got to hurt me, he did.
"I sometimes say that every 17 years a star gets born and he is one of them.
"Don't get me wrong, I had a lovely tournament. I've been battling my own game but that's how it was.
"In the beginning of the game I was letting myself down too much, especially against a player with his ability, and with his performance you are going to be in trouble."
The 35-year-old Dutchman, a three-time world champion, added: "He did well and he deserves it. Of course it hurts but that's how it should be. If it doesn't hurt, you're not going to be a sportsman.
"I have to move on, I have to make sure I keep playing better. I'm an old ******* compared to him! I have to take this on the chin. I wasn't sharp enough at the beginning of the game."
Watch the Premier League Darts on Sky Sports
Watch all the action from the Premier League on Sky Sports with Luke Littler aiming to defend his title. The new Premier League season will begin in Belfast on Thursday February 6 as darts' biggest party returns to an unchanged line-up of 17 venues across the UK and Europe.
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