Revenge for Luke Littler! ‘The Nuke’ defeats Van Gerwen in pre-World Darts Championship clash on night Karel Sedlacek stars in Norwich

Luke Littler delivered the perfect psychological blow ahead of the upcoming World Darts Championship as he claimed a statement victory over Michael van Gerwen in a high-profile warm-up event in Norwich.

Just days before play begins at Alexandra Palace, The Nuke produced a composed and clinical display to avenge his recent defeat to the Dutchman, reminding the darting world exactly why he enters the tournament as one of the favourites.

Littler Strikes Back

The 18-year-old superstar had been narrowly beaten by Van Gerwen during an exhibition final in Finland earlier this month. But this time it was Littler who controlled the big moments, finding his scoring rhythm early before closing out the match with trademark confidence.

Observers said Littler looked relaxed, sharp, and fully in “Worlds mode” — the dangerous version of the teenager that dominated the circuit earlier in the year.

One fan summed it up perfectly:
“If this is the Littler we get at Ally Pally, everyone else is in trouble.”

Van Gerwen Still Searching for Peak Form

Michael van Gerwen, meanwhile, showed flashes of his best but couldn’t match Littler’s accuracy at the crucial points. The three-time world champion has openly admitted he’s still rebuilding confidence after a difficult season, and this loss — albeit in an exhibition setting — is another reminder of the challenge ahead.

Still, Van Gerwen was gracious in defeat and upbeat about his preparation, insisting the real tests begin when the lights go up in London.

Sedláček Steals the Show in Norwich

While the headlines inevitably focused on Littler and Van Gerwen, the night belonged just as much to Karel Sedláček, who produced a standout performance that thrilled the Norwich crowd.

The Czech star — a fan favourite for his energy and charisma — delivered the night’s most entertaining display, combining heavy scoring with a handful of jaw-dropping finishes. His victory over a higher-ranked opponent drew one of the loudest reactions of the evening.

Sedláček’s form will be encouraging ahead of his World Championship campaign, where he aims to cause more upsets on the biggest stage of all.

Momentum Building for the World Championship

With Ally Pally just around the corner, the Norwich event offered a final glimpse of where the top names stand heading into the biggest tournament in darts.

• Littler looks calm, confident, and razor-sharp — a nightmare prospect for the rest of the field.
• Van Gerwen is dangerous but still searching for rhythm.
• Sedláček looks ready to be one of the tournament’s dark horses.

For Littler, the win is more than just a warm-up; it’s a reminder that even at 18, he has the mental strength to respond, improve, and rise to the occasion.

And with the World Championship about to begin, one thing is clear:

The Nuke is primed, prepared, and perfectly timed.