LUKE LITTLER sent a classy message to Michael van Gerwen after losing to the Dutchman in the World Series of Darts final.
Littler, 18, fell 11-7 to resurgent MVG in front of the former world champion’s home crowd in Amsterdam.
Michael van Gerwen won the latest instalment in his rivalry with Luke LittlerSportsfile
Van Gerwen was close to tears on stage following his victory, having secured his first TV title in two years amid a serious slump.
Gracious in defeat, Littler sent a kind message to his rival on Instagram.
The Nuke wrote: “May not have won but has been another great tournament for me.
“Really good seeing @mvg180 (Van Gerwen) back playing his best and congrats on the title.”
Fans were impressed by Littler’s maturity.
One commented: “A true gent the whole weekend.”
While another added: “Did yourself proud lad.”
Van Gerwen, who is going through a divorce, got emotional as his daughter joined him on stage to celebrate.
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His last TV win had come in this tournament in 2023.
The three-time world champion, who pocketed £80,000 for his triumph, said: “We all know where I’m coming from and the difficulties over the last few months.
“But to do it in front of your home crowd means a lot to me.
“I was also playing some fantastic darts that gives you energy and drive.
“Things have changed for me. Zoe said, ‘Daddy I want to go with you at the weekend’. I said, ‘No problem, you can come with me.’
“That’s how it is now, sometimes you have to adjust your life. You have to juggle around. My kids are lovely, it’s a bright future ahead. Goosebumps.
“I’ve never been away. I had to dig really deep to do this. It means the world to me.
“I still love what I do. Sometimes it costs too much energy. But now I hope this is the beginning of a lot more.”
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