Luke Littler attitude scrutinised with darts star 'too unfocused' and 'uncaring' in Michael van Gerwen defeat
Luke Littler crashed to defeat against Michael van Gerwen at the World Matchplay on Monday night
PA
Darts icon Wayne Mardle believes Luke Littler was 'too unfocused' and 'uncaring' during his defeat to Michael van Gerwen at the World Matchplay on Monday night.
The 17-year-old had gone into the contest expected to continue his brilliant form, having won the Premier League earlier in the summer.
But Van Gerwen produced a brilliant performance, with the Dutchman winning 10-6 to progress to the second round of the competition.
Littler seemed surly at times throughout the showdown, with the teenager struggling to perform at his usual high level.
Luke Littler crashed to defeat against Michael van Gerwen at the World Matchplay on Monday night
PA
And Sky Sports commentator Mardle thinks the 17-year-old lacked focus as he crashed to defeat.
"Michael started OK, then went off the boil," he said.
"Luke won the next two legs and was 2-1 up, then Van Gerwen was in a hole. He wasn't playing well. Then it all changed.
"I don't know if Littler had as much focus as Michael. There was definitely a lot of nonchalance going on.
"There was a last dart he wanted, he wanted 74 and threw it at T18 while walking. It was all too unfocused, uncaring. Of course he cares...
"I know he took out the 73 [at 8-6 down], but even that was a single 11, going for a treble and he got away with it."
Van Gerwen and Littler have already faced off 10 times in 2024, with the Dutchman winning six of those meetings.
And Mardle thinks Van Gerwen deserves praise for 'keeping his rival down'.
"I felt Michael was better more often than Luke," he continued.
"I know the averages were very good because in spells they were leaving doubles after 10 or 11 darts on a frequent basis.
"There were legs and throws from both that were unconvincing. But for Van Gerwen, it's a wonderful win for him.
"He's kept Littler down. He's one of his main opponents right now and that's what you have to do."
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Luke Littler was crushed by Michael van Gerwen in their darts showdown at the World Matchplay on Monday night
SKY
Meanwhile, Van Gerwen took aim at other darts players for being 'scared' of Littler following his win.
Speaking to Sportsboom, he said: "He’s not unstoppable and this is a sign for the rest of the players who are scared of him.
"Play your own game, instead of trying to play him."
And in a separate interview with Sky Sports, the 35-year-old added: "It is always enjoyable playing games of these standards.
Michael van Gerwen was too strong for Luke Littler on Monday night
PA
"He is incredible, but you have to face it and you can't let yourself down.
"I've had a holiday but I worked hard on my holiday. This means a lot to me because I've been going through a rough time, so to actually do something good and be rewarded for all your hard work is always nice.
"I don't have to prove a point but it is nice when you play well and average over 100.
"That is an incredible feeling. That is what you hope to continue for the rest of the tournament."