Michael van Gerwen shows true colours with bold claim about Luke Littler
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Michael van Gerwen has confidently claimed he can still beat Luke Littler at Alexandra Palace – even without reaching his best form. The three-time PDC World Championship winner is one of few players who has a strong record against last year's finalist. Van Gerwen has endured his worst darts campaign since 2011, but has still managed to record six victories in 12 meetings against the 17-year-old.
Littler is one of the favourites to lift the Sid Waddell trophy at Alexandra Palace. He memorably reached the final aged 16 years old last year, only to lose 7-4 to world No. 1 Luke Humphries in the final. Yet, Littler has since won the Premier League at his first attempt and the Grand Slam of Darts, while also picking up two European Tour event triumphs. Nevertheless, Van Gerwen has shown his true character by expressing pure belief that he does not need to be playing well to secure one more vital win over Littler if they eventually meet in the final.
In an interview with PA, Van Gerwen said: "I have not been playing my best performances and I have still got a great record against him (Littler). Even when I am not playing my best, I know it is not easy to beat me, so I get a lot of motivation out of that.".
Van Gerwen, who can't face Littler in the tournament until the final hurdle due to how the draw unfolded, will finish 2024 without a major televised tournament victory under his belt. He was also convincingly beaten in the Premier League darts semi-finals by Humphries, who swept the Dutchman aside 10-5.
