Michael van Gerwen was demolished by Luke Littler at the World Series of Darts Finals in Amsterdam.
The Dutchman lost nine straight legs in an 11-4 loss against The Nuke in the semi-finals of the Dutch event and went crashing out of his home tournament.
Mighty Mike has taken to social media to release a statement after his difficult time in the final four against the 17-year-old.
- READ MORE: Peter Wright makes subtle dig at Luke Littler, says ‘he’s got to learn to lose before he wins’
Michael van Gerwen ‘grateful’ after Luke Littler defeat
The World No. 3 took to X straight after the disappointing Luke Littler defeat and was typically gracious after the humbling experience against The Nuke.
The 35-year-old said: “Tough ending of a great weekend in Amsterdam. Started strong, but couldn’t defend my title this night.
“Big credit to Luke for a great performance. Grateful for the incredible support from the crowd, through the weekend.”
Littler is set to play Michael Smith in the final of the Amsterdam event, after also defeating Chris Dobey, Raymond van Barneveld, and Ross Smith.
Is MVG the intimidating for he once was?
Despite being one of the game’s best, Mighty Mike is no longer the intimidating force he used to be on the PDC Tour.
Aside from his devastating defeat to Littler, Luke Humphries has also opened up about his feelings about van Gerwen’s aura.
Talking to Online Darts, Cool Hand said: “I don’t fear anybody but I don’t fear Michael. I probably would have done four or five years ago to answer when he was on his peak.
“Even in my form now, I probably wouldn’t have been in but he’s not as dangerous as he was then many years ago. That’s no disrespect, he just isn’t. Stats would back that up.”
The incredible talent is still there for the Dutchman, but he has no longer won the game before an arrow is thrown.
The new generation of darting behemoths are more than ready up to the mental battle it requires to take on Mighty Mike.