Michael van Gerwen Calls Out Luke Littler for Poor Timekeeping Ahead of Premier League Clash
Michael van Gerwen has criticized reigning world champion Luke Littler for his lack of punctuality after the 18-year-old arrived 45 minutes late for a media day in Belfast.
Littler, who made history last month by defeating Van Gerwen to become the youngest world champion, is among the eight players competing in this season’s Premier League, which kicks off in Northern Ireland on Thursday.
The teenager admitted he had overslept after taking a morning nap—an excuse that did not sit well with his fellow competitors.
“They need to stop treating him like a baby. He’s not a baby anymore, he’s 18 years old now,” Van Gerwen stated.
“It happens. He has to learn. You have to learn the hard way. It’s a professional sport, so you have to be responsible for your actions—simple as that.”
While Van Gerwen acknowledged that media commitments are not the most crucial aspect of the sport, he was unimpressed with Littler’s tardiness affecting others.
“If he turns up late for an interview, I don’t mind. But seven other people are waiting for him. That’s not very nice, is it?”
Littler Shrugs Off Criticism
Littler, however, brushed off the comments and is focused on his upcoming clash with the three-time world champion.
“He’s going to be up for it, he’s going to be hungry, but I’m up for it as the reigning champion,” Littler said.
“Whoever wins, it will be big for us.”
Looking ahead to the Premier League, Littler acknowledged the significance of the tournament and the pressure of defending his title throughout the year.
“This is the biggest tournament I am going to defend all year round until the Worlds. I might feel nervous when it comes to it, but there are always nerves, and I’m hoping to make a fast start like I did in the final.”
Littler has fond memories of Belfast, where he secured his first win in last year’s competition, and he hopes to build on that success.
After his victory over Van Gerwen in the World Championship final, Littler repeated the feat in the Dutch Masters quarter-finals two weeks ago. The pair are set to renew their rivalry once again in their opening quarter-final match of the Premier League on Thursday.
