LUKE LITTLER admitted he “fell asleep” before setting up another blockbuster clash with Michael van Gerwen.
The 18-year-old ground out a 6-4 win over Dimitri Van den Bergh in his Dutch Masters opener – after the Belgian had shaken up his walk-on routine.
PALuke Littler had plenty to say about Dimitri Van den Bergh’s walk-on change at the Dutch Masters[/caption]
GettyThe Belgian was unable to stop the world champion winning 6-4[/caption]
However, the teen sensation needed to hit three 180s in the last two legs to get over the line after a mid-match slump.
On going up a gear, he admitted: “I had to. Dimitri was behind me all the way.
“But two-nil up, fell asleep and I had to find other gears.
“The World Series is a massive thing. You go to all these different countries. But I would say it’s match practice for the Premier League.”
Van den Bergh surprisingly dumped his classic Happy walk-on song and dance for the occasion.
It was replaced by Play Hard by David Guetta.
When asked about it, Littler replied: “I don’t really know. I think it’s good for us players that he’s not there dancing around!
“So we get to walk-on quicker. He can take his time. It’s a good song.”
BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS
Littler now faces Van Gerwen in the quarters, a repeat of their World Final clash at the Ally Pally three weeks ago.
He added: “Obviously I’d like to get another win and progress to the semi-final.
“I think Michael might be thinking he wants revenge, especially in his backyard.
“It would be a good thing to beat him in his backyard.
“Like I said, win that game and guarantee myself a place in the semi-final.”
Luke Littler prize money breakdown
Here is all the prize money Luke Littler has won so far after being crowned 2025 PDC World Darts Championship winner:
World Championship 2025 – £500,000
World Championship 2024 – £200,000
Grand Slam of Darts 2024 – £150,000
European Tour – £91,000
Player Championships events – £71,500
Players Championship final runner-up – £60,000
UK Open 2023 + 2024 – £17,500
World Matchplay – £10,000
World Grand Prix – £7,500
European Championship – £7,500
(Unranked) Premier League Darts – £315,000
TOTAL: £1.43 million
MVG will go into his rematch with Littler sporting a broken toe.
The three-time world champion suffered a freak injury while on holiday with his family in Thailand.
Asked if the injury would hamper him in the tournament, he replied: “[It’s] annoying, but you can’t do anything about it.
“It happened last week on holiday. Accidents can happen. I enjoyed my holiday. I definitely had a nice rest.”
Creator – [#item_custom_dc:creator]
