Michael van Gerwen Defeats Luke Littler in Dramatic Premier League Darts Opener

The Dutch star avenged his World Championship loss to Littler, overcoming the teenager's record-setting performance in a thrilling 6-5 victory in Belfast.

Michael van Gerwen edged out 18-year-old world champion Luke Littler 6-5 in the opening night of the 2025 Premier League of Darts in Belfast.
Littler, despite a remarkable 116.7 match average, fell short as Van Gerwen sealed the deciding leg with a 180 start and a double-eight finish.
The match followed tensions after Van Gerwen criticized Littler for arriving late to a photoshoot, calling him unprofessional and urging others to stop treating him like a 'baby.'
Littler, who celebrated his 18th birthday last week, shrugged off the criticism and said he was focused on defending his Premier League title as reigning champion.
The Premier League season will now continue across multiple cities, with Littler aiming to replicate his dominant 2024 campaign that included 10 titles and a world championship win.