Michael van Gerwen's dominance over Luke Littler continues despite recent struggles
- Michael van Gerwen has a strong play history against Luke Littler, winning six of twelve meetings.
- Despite a very challenging year, Van Gerwen remains optimistic about his chances at the World Championship.
- The upcoming match between Van Gerwen and Littler is highly anticipated as both players represent different emerging trends in darts.
In December 2024, Dutch darts player Michael van Gerwen expressed confidence in his ability to defeat 17-year-old Luke Littler at the upcoming PDC World Championship, despite a significant decline in his performance this year. Van Gerwen, a three-time world champion, has had a challenging year, experiencing his worst campaign since 2011 and failing to secure a major televised tournament victory. Nonetheless, he holds a notable record against Littler, having won six out of their twelve encounters, which he cited as a motivating factor. He noted that even when not in top form, his opponents still find it challenging to defeat him. Van Gerwen faced further difficulties in 2024, having been eliminated from the Premier League darts semi-finals by Luke Humphries, which marked another setback in his already frustrating season. Despite the struggles, he remained optimistic and contrasted his current state to “shaking a bottle of milk” where the cream rises to the top, suggesting he believes he has the capability to bounce back. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive attitude and having belief in his abilities, particularly as he heads into the World Championship at Alexandra Palace. Littler, on the other hand, has enjoyed considerable success, winning the Premier League in his first attempt and capturing the Grand Slam of Darts. His recent achievements make him a formidable opponent, and he emerged as one of the most talked-about names in darts. As Van Gerwen prepares for the World Championship, he appears determined to prove that his past successes still matter, even in the face of a difficult season. Both players, despite their contrasting seasons, are set to compete for the prestigious title, and Van Gerwen seems eager to rise to the occasion, showcasing his fighting spirit. He acknowledged the challenges posed by Littler's impressive record but remained hopeful that his extensive experience would serve him well in the high-pressure environment of the championship. The anticipation around this matchup is palpable, highlighting the ongoing rivalry between seasoned champions and emerging talents in the world of darts.