Luke Littler is set to make his World Matchplay debut this weekend, and it’s fair to say he’s got a tough opening fixture.
Indeed, The Nuke will take on Michael van Gerwen in his first-ever game at the Winter Gardens, and draws don’t come much more difficult than that.
Littler has said very little ahead of the Matchplay, but speaking on the Love The Darts Podcast, the teenager has now shared his reaction to this draw.
What Luke Littler said after seeing World Matchplay draw
Littler shared his reaction to finding out he’d drawn Van Gerwen.
“I was at Silverstone doing a hot lap with Lando Norris, but I saw the livestream on Facebook,” Littler said.
“I went and scrolled until I found my name and I saw I had Michael. I said ‘he’s not playing the best darts at the minute but we know what he’s capable of.’”
Never underestimate Michael van Gerwen
Littler’s first reaction was to remind himself that Michael van Gerwen hasn’t been playing that well recently, but you’d be a fool ever to underestimate the Dutchman.
When he brings his A-game, MVG is arguably the best player of all-time, and if Littler isn’t ready for a tough challenge, his Matchplay campaign could be over before it even begins.
Of course, Littler has what it takes to beat Van Gerwen. We saw the teenage sensation do just that on numerous occasions in the Premier League this year, but it does have to be said that Littler’s recent form on the Pro Tour has been rather concerning.
As may will know, Littler often comes to life when the spotlight is on him and he’s playing on the big stage, and he’ll need to be at his very best if he’s to beat the three-time World Champion in Blackpool.
This is bound to be an absolute corker of an opening fixture.