Luke Littler has admitted to being "disappointed" at not making another final on a Premier League night after losing to Michael van Gerwen.
The teenager earned a place in this year's Darts Premier League season after his historic run to the final of the World Championship.
He's already proven his worth at being on the big stage with the world's best players having beaten Van Gerwen, Luke Humphries, Rob Cross and Gerwyn Price among others in recent weeks.
Littler started his senior career with a World Series title in Bahrain before making his Premier League debut a few weeks later.
Luke Littler wants to win a Premier League evening
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This week's Premier League night was held in Newcastle with Littler given plenty of support from the raucous crowd.
He came through a tricky opening match against Peter Wright, who averaged over 103.
But Littler could not get past Van Gerwen, who won the match with a brilliant 90 checkout in the deciding leg.
It means Littler will have to wait another week for a crack at winning his first Premier League evening.
Despite being disappointed at losing in the semi-final, Littler decided to look at the bigger picture of his career at the moment.
He wrote on social media: "Great night in Newcastle.
"Obviously disappointed to not make the final.
"Well done @mvg180 on a hatrick of winn.
"Alls I can do is enjoy it and look who I’m playing week in week out at 17 - the worlds best players."
Michael van Gerwen got the better of Luke Littler again
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Van Gerwen has been one of Littler's biggest supporters since the teenager emerged as a darts superstar.
But the Dutchman wants the media to stop asking "stupid questions" about the 17-year-old.
"He's a phenomenal player," Van Gerwen added.
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Luke Littler still feels honoured to be playing on the biggest stage
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"He has a lot of talent and he has such a great career in front of him.
"But like I always say, get the pressure a little bit off him.
"Don't ask him too many stupid questions. Just let him enjoy what he does and it makes him a better player in the long run."
