Michael van Gerwen doesn't mince his words after Luke Littler defeat - 'Irritation'
Michael van Gerwen has admitted his recent defeat to Luke Littler at the World Series of Darts was an 'irritation' as his inconsistent form continued
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Michael van Gerwen has admitted his recent defeat to Luke Littler at the World Series of Darts was an 'irritation' as his inconsistent form continued.
The two men have a healthy rivalry and, on Sunday, it was the teenager who reigned supreme.
Littler dominated Van Gerwen in front of the Dutch fans, with the 17-year-old winning 11-4.
He then proceeded to lift the title by crushing Michael Smith.
Michael van Gerwen has admitted his recent defeat to Luke Littler at the World Series of Darts was an 'irritation' as his inconsistent form continued.
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Van Gerwen is one of the poster boys of the darts world but, in 2024, has sometimes struggled to operate at the peak of his powers.
And the 35-year-old, speaking to ViaPlay, has admitted he was irked as his hopes of glory went up in smoke.
"He started playing better and better and with that my irritation increased," he told ViaPlay.
"I can blame myself for that.
"There is a very busy period coming up now and if I want to perform, this should not happen to me.
"I have to take this defeat on the chin."
Van Gerwen added: "Whether there was no spark against him? I don't even want to say that yet.
"However, I started the match well and put him under pressure from the start, at that point I was in the match very well.
"But then I came out of that break badly, I still won the first leg, but then I completely lost it.
"That's where I seriously short-changed myself."
Littler has since followed up his victory by winning the Players Championship 20 title with a hard-fought victory over Stephen Bunting in Wigan.
He is now on a run of 12 matches without defeat.
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Michael van Gerwen lost to Luke Littler at the World Series of Darts on Sunday night
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And Littler, speaking after his win, admitted that he was currently on a high as he looks to secure more titles going forward.
"I think I've played really well today," he said.
"I came here with lots of confidence after winning in Amsterdam. I couldn't quite believe how well I played there.
"I've really enjoyed myself today. It's probably the most fun I've had on the ProTour since the first one I won, and I cannot wait for tomorrow now."
Michael van Gerwen has a good rivalry with Luke Littler
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Littler is currently ranked No 22 in the world.
But he looks set to dominate darts for many years to come, with his successive triumphs boding well for the future.