World Darts Championship: Michael van Gerwen claims he was better than Luke Littler at same age | Darts News
16-year-old Luke Littler is thru to the final 16 of the World Darts Championship in his match debut; Michael van Gerwen can be within the fourth spherical as he chases a fourth title at Alexandra Palace; Watch the match by means of till January 3 on Sky Sports Darts
By Ali Stafford
Michael van Gerwen has paid tribute to teenager sensation Luke Littler however insists he was better than him at the same stage of his profession.
Littler continued his dream World Darts Championship debut with a 4-1 victory over Matt Campbell on Wednesday night, making him the youngest participant in historical past to achieve the final 16 at the Alexandra Palace.
The 16-year-old had already fired one of many highest averages of the match in his straight-sets thrashing of Christian Kist after which despatched UK Open champion Andrew Gilding, with Littler rapidly changing into a followers’ favorite and a championship contender.
Littler turns into the youngest participant to qualify for the final 16 of the World Darts Championship, however will he have a good time together with his trademark celebratory kebab?
Littler’s fast rise into the highlight has drawn comparisons with the early levels of Van Gerwen’s profession, who impressed on the BDO as a teen earlier than switching to the PDC in 2007, though the Dutchman thinks he had extra expertise at the same age.
When requested if he understood the comparisons between the 2 after his 4-0 victory over Richard Veenstra, Van Gerwen instructed reporters: “Yes and no. I feel if you happen to appear like talent-wise then I feel I was barely better however he would not care whoever he performs and that is why I like him.
Littler produces an excellent 164 end in opposition to Matt Campbell within the World Darts Championship third spherical
“He’s a big talent. Me and Vincent [Van der Voort] spoke about him and he has got one little thing in his throw on the end that I don’t really fancy, but for the rest he can win a lot of tournaments in the future of darts – 100 per cent.”
Littler has taken loads of the media consideration throughout this yr’s occasion, resulting in lots of the title contenders coming in ‘underneath the radar’, though Van Gerwen needs to proceed to be talked about as he chases a fourth world title.
Van Gerwen makes it clear that he needs Stephen Bunting subsequent after he coasted into the final 16 at the World Darts Championship
“Are we going to talk about the Luke Littler or are we going to talk about the world championships?” Van Gerwen requested reporters, earlier than including: “No, I’m winding you up, after all you’re going to get questions on Luke Littler.
“I want everybody provides me consideration as a result of if you get consideration it’s a pleasure, it’s one thing good. When they speak about you it’s a good signal, it means you continue to imply one thing to the game.”
Wayne Mardle is satisfied Littler goes to the very high and says everybody talks about his age aside from him
Van Gerwen – chasing a primary world title in 4 years – made gentle work of fellow Dutchman Veenstra, dropping simply 4 legs and registering a 101.39 common to arrange a final 16-meeting with both Stephen Bunting or Florian Hempel.
“I think there is more to get, I feel comfortable and I feel good and I am looking forward,” he added. “I was pleased, with the way I played it gave me confidence, that is the way want to do things. I did what I had to do.”
Watch the World Darts Championship all the best way till the ultimate on January 3, 2024 – dwell on Sky Sports Darts. NOW Sports Month Membership: £21 a month for 6 months
