MVG HITS OUT AT “INSANE” LITTLER MEDIA

MICHAEL van Gerwen has said that the media attention on Luke Littler is “insane”.

The mighty Dutchman delivered a third successive Premier League night win in Newcastle, beating the teen sensation in the semi-final. 

But MVG, 34, then lashed out at the amount of pressure on Littler’s shoulders. 

He said: “He is a phenomenal player I know that. He has a lot of talent and he’s got a great career in front of him.

“I always say keep the pressure off him a little bit. Don’t ask him too many stupid questions. 

“Let him enjoy what he does. It makes him a better player in the long run. 

“He’s a young kid. How much pressure the press and everyone puts on his shoulders. It’s insane. You don’t even know because you just ask the questions. 

“I know as a player how it is. I don’t think it’s fair on him. But that’s my opinion. 

“Let him enjoy his life. Let him do his own thing. Of course that happens with famous people. 

“Whatever he does, if he puts his shoe on, puts his darts in the sand, put his finger in his nose. Whatever he does people speaks about it, everywhere in the newspaper. Let him live his life. 

“I don’t really care, I just want to protect the product. I like darts, I like to perform to the highest level, so I also like to play against Luke Littler. 

“But if you keep doing this, I’ve seen a lot of kids in his position drift off. So I don’t think that’s good for the sport.”

Van Gerwen has also vowed to break the league record with four wins in a row in Exeter next week.  

He added: “No one ever did that? Michael Smith three wins? I will have to change that next week!

“I don’t look to that. I just look to the points and my own form. My game is there and there’s a lot to fight for still. 

“I’m not going to set myself any targets. I’m going to go week by week. 

“Last year I did that and I didn’t do myself any favours. I was getting a little bit too relaxed. I have to learn from your mistakes. 

“I know what I’m capable of. Of course there is more in the tank but the competition is very long. 

“I don’t think it’s down to my experience. I also think it is down to my ability.”

Images by Taylor Lanning.