Michael van Gerwen drops hint as to how underdog could distract Luke Littler in World Darts Championship showdown
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MICHAEL van Gerwen has dropped a hint for Luke Litter's first opponent at the World Darts Championship. Littler faces hairdresser Ryan Meikle in his second-round opener and the Ally Pally crowd will be buzzing to see him back in action. But three-time champ Van Gerwen, 35, does not share the same enthusiasm.
![[Michael van Gerwen dropped a hint for Luke Litter's first opponent at the World Darts Championship]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/michael-van-gerwen-netherlands-celebrates-958837689.jpg?strip=all&w=693)
In told his post-match press conference on Friday night: "I see him every week, why would I care? Who is he playing?. "Ryan is a good player. Ryan is quite a slow player so maybe we could have a surprise.". Van Gerwen also took his opportunity to needle Littler about the first-round defeat he inflicted on him at the World Matchplay in July.
![[Littler kicks off his Ally Pally campaign o Saturday from 9pm]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/luke-littler-night-1-pdc-952394893_d1370c.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
He added: "It wouldn't be the first tournament he loses first round this year as well. "But I still expect him to win. He's great for what he's done for the sport of darts. Amazing.". Littler, who won Young Sports Personality of the Year this week, is a big favourite and one of the favourites to lift the crown.
![[Littler takes on barber Ryan Meikle]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/celebrates-winning-first-round-match-958186566.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
The 17-year-old has climbed to fourth in the live provisional PDC Order of Merit, which is based on prize money earned over a two year period. BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS. Meikle sits 58 places below him in the world rankings. Meikle has already faced a scare at the Ally Pally in his opening match 3-2 victory against Queen of the Palace Fallon Sherrock.
![[Meikle is not full-time in darts and has worked for 10 years at Nicks Gent’s Hairdressing]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/NINTCHDBPICT000958774805.jpg?strip=all&w=768)
