Michael van Gerwen has promised to "get" Luke Littler back after losing to the 16-year-old darts sensation on the Bahrain Masters final.
Van Gerwen has reigned supreme at the top of darts for the past decade, racking up three world championships along with a multitude of PDC Tour titles.
He looked the man to beat again in Bahrain after averaging 106 and 105 in his opening two matches.
But Littler, playing in his first World Series of Darts event, soon took centre stage with his remarkable nine-dart finish against Nathan Aspinall in their quarter-final.
Michael van Gerwen wants revenge on Luke Littler
ITV
It was inevitable that Littler and Van Gerwen would meet in the final and the contest didn't disappoint.
Van Gerwen scrapped away to keep Littler within arms reach, but the teenager was never really in any danger.
Littler had the lead throughout the match and never looked back after holding his throw in the 11th leg.
Van Gerwen was powerless from that point as he couldn't get anything going with Littler wrapping up the match with a double 20 to be crowned the 2024 Bahrain Masters champion.
The 34-year-old was respectful after his loss, shaking hands with Littler and praising his opponent.
However, Van Gerwen made sure to point out that next time the two meet he'll be looking for revenge.
"It's never going to be a good week when I'm not winning but Luke had a fantastic performance," Van Gerwen said.
"Everyone knows what he is capable of - let him grow, let him do his thing.
Luke Littler beat Michael van Gerwen 8-5
ITV
"I couldn't produce what I produced in the earlier games and you get punished and that's the way sport works.
"Of course I'm disappointed but you win some, you lose some.
"I'll get him, don't worry!"
LATEST SPORT NEWS:
LUKE LITTLER IS THE 2024 BAHRAIN DARTS MASTER 🏆
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) January 19, 2024
Simply breathtaking from the 16-year-old... 🙌
He hits a nine-darter, and beats Man Lok Leung, Nathan Aspinall, Gerwyn Price and MIchael van Gerwen to win his first PDC Senior title.
The first of how many...? pic.twitter.com/aCSSJ6sTnD
Littler appeared overwhelmed immediately after his victory and struggled to sum up his emotions in words.
He said: "Michael is one of the very best and I'm happy to win on my debut.
"It's been unbelievable this week and I'm happy to come out as the winner."
