Darts star risks angering Michael van Gerwen with Luke Littler comments - 'Won't want to hear that'
Darts star Luke Littler has enjoyed a stunning breakthrough year in the sport
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Dutch darts player Dirk van Duijvenbode has risked a backlash from Michael van Gerwen by praising 17-year-old prodigy Luke Littler.
In a bold statement, van Duijvenbode claimed that Littler's talent surpasses that of three-time world champion Michael van Gerwen at the same age.
The remarks come after the 32-year-old's victory over Littler at the Flanders Darts Trophy in Belgium,
Speaking to Sportnieuws.nl, Van Duijvenbode praised Littler's exceptional skill, stating: "We've never seen a boy play so well."
Darts star Luke Littler has enjoyed a stunning breakthrough year in the sport
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He added, "I know Van Gerwen doesn't like to hear it, but Littler is better than Van Gerwen was when he was 17.
"He's not at his best yet."
The Dutch player also said that he thinks Littler could yet get even better in the coming years ahead.
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Darts star Dirk van Duijvenbode has lavished praise on Luke Littler
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"He still has so much to improve and he's already almost unbeatable," he continued.
These statements underscore the high regard in which Littler is held within the darts community, despite his young age, following a stunning year for the teenager.
Van Gerwen, a three-time world champion, is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the sport's history.
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Darts Michael van Gerwen
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By suggesting that Littler surpasses van Gerwen's abilities at the same age, van Duijvenbode has now set a remarkably high bar for the young player.
Van Duijvenbode's personal experience playing against Littler left a lasting impression on the Dutch player.
He recounted: "I saw his average from his first match (against Jermaine Wattimena) and I thought, okay, he throws 135 with his first three darts."
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Impressed by Littler's consistency, van Duijvenbode added, "I can throw that too, but I don't do it every time."
The encounter prompted van Duijvenbode to elevate his own game, stating, "I was SO focused. I thought, Dirk, if you want to win, you have to be at your best."
He concluded by acknowledging Littler's overall superiority, saying, "Littler is better than I am and better than a lot of other players."