Michael van Gerwen's three-word message to Luke Littler after he saw darts star crying
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Michael van Gerwen urged Luke Littler to release his emotions when spotting him crying moments after winning the PDC World Darts Championship. The 17-year-old dismantled the three-time world champion 7-3 in Friday's final to break Van Gerwen's record as the youngest player to be crowned champion.
After pinning double 16 to claim victory, Littler was reduced to tears during his celebrations and was promptly greeted by the Dutchman, who embraced the teenager and offered up a few words of advice. During his post-game press conference, the world champion was asked what the 35-year-old had told him, with Littler admitting Van Gerwen said: "Keep crying boy!".
He explained: "After it I think he said, 'Well done', but when we were on the side, he obviously saw me crying he said, 'Keep crying boy!'" The Dutchman - who has yet to add a fourth world title since his last in 2019 - showered Littler with praise after his defeat.
"I'm 35, he's 17. Every 17 years, a star gets born," the Green Machine said. "He deserves it, he played well. 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 and make sure I keep playing better.".
He lamented his slow start that saw Littler breeze into a 4-0 lead, which proved to be insurmountable. "I went 4-0 behind and after that I thought I wasn't doing myself any justice, but that's the way it is," he admitted. Order your souvenir 48-page publication celebrating Luke Littler's historic World Championship win now. Buy now on our online shop!.
