LITTLER SENDS WARNING TO PRICE

LUKE LITTLER has warned Gerwyn Price he made a “mistake” by finishing fourth in the Premier League.  

‘The Nuke’ won a record SIXTH Night in the competition and achieved a record tally of 45 points. 

Former world champion Price will now face Littler in a semi-final bout at the O2 next week after squandering a 5-1 lead against Chris Dobey in the quarter-final. 

Seven-time major winner Price missed TWO match darts against the Bedlington thrower and was edged 6-5 to allow Nathan Aspinall to climb above him. 

World No. 2 Littler has lost six of his last eight meetings with Price but the teen sensation is poised for payback.  

He said: “Gezzy was 5-1 up, if he won that game he would have been third.  

“Is that a mistake? Certainly, I am ready for next week. He has the record against me, but it is the O2. 

“It’s a long 16 weeks, but when you’re in the position I’ve been in, number one for pretty much throughout the whole Premier League you have just got to stay there. 

“That first semi-final is so crucial to get over the line and get to the final. Hopefully I can pick up the big one next week. 

“I am very happy to break the records I have broken this year. But for myself, winning in Sheffield is a massive boost and a massive bonus and it gives me a lot of confidence going forward next week.” 

Michael van Gerwen failed to qualify for the play-offs at the O2 for just the second time in 13 years. 

The seven-time Premier League winner’s form has been concerning as he recorded the seventh lowest average in the competition (96.09) and the worst of his career. 

But Littler backs MVG to bounce back.  

He added: “I remember we did some interviews for the Premier League leading up to it, and me and Michael both said once the hunger goes out of us, then we’ll stop playing. 

“But the hunger it’s definitely not out of him. We know Michael, he’ll bounce back.” 

Warrington whizkid Littler’s joy at his recent win in Sheffield was dampened by Manchester United’s Europa League final loss to Tottenham. 

Littler lamented his beloved team’s performance.  

He admitted: “Shambles. Even losing that game everyone knows what it means financially for the club. 

“But fair play to Spurs.”

Image by Taylor Lanning.