LITTLER FIRED-UP FOR FIRST TITLE AT 18

By Phil Lanning

LUKE LITTLER is fired-up to win his first title as an 18-year-old in Den Bosch. 

The World Champion faces Dimtri Van den Bergh in his Dutch Darts Masters opener tonight. 

The teen sensation turned 18 on Tuesday and could be on collision course to take on World Final opponent Michael van Gerwen. 

He said: “I’ve not picked up a dart since Bahrain. I’ve just had some time to relax and celebrated my birthday on Tuesday. 

“I’m just hoping to win my first game and see who wins out of Michael (Van Gerwen) and Dirk (Van Duijvenbode). 

“I just want to win that first game. I’d love to pick up a second title in 2025. 

“I know how he can play. We know each other’s game. Whoever turns up wins.”

Meanwhile Van Gerwen has returned from a holiday and is boosted by his performances at the Ally Pally – despite final defeat. 

He added: “There’s a lot at stake here again. It’s nice to be back on track. 

“Last year was a really amazing tournament and some really good darts. Now I have to do this year exactly the same. 

“I had a good holiday, I needed it. I feel good, I feel comfortable. 

“This is important and then next week even more at the Winmau World Masters. The first time it’s going to be ranked.

“No one gave me a chance for the World Championship. I showed everyone different by reaching the final. 

“Of course there’s always disappointment when you don’t perform what you are capable of. But I showed everyone I can do some good stuff. That gives me a lot of confidence.”

Images by Taylor Lanning.