"I like Gezzy because he brings something different to the game" - Wayne Mardle praises Gerwyn Price for his handling of Luke Littler in Premier League

He hasn't lost too often since bursting onto the scene, but last Thursday was a big disappointment for Luke Littler, as he went down 6-5 against Gerwyn Price in his opening match on the third night's play in the Premier League Darts.

It was the first time this campaign that Littler has failed to score a point. "It could have been a rout really because Price was outscoring Luke Littler to some tune. Luke just couldn't hit his doubles, but the scoring from Gezzy leg in, leg out was far superior. He kept buying himself opportunities but missing, but held it together," said Wayne Mardle, himself a former Premier League Darts participant, to Sky Sports.

Mardle also saw that Littler was performing somewhat erratically. "That last leg, Luke Littler produces exciting darts. He just does and he's very, very difficult to beat. He goes through these phases in games where he hits a 12-darter, followed by a 10. You don't really know what's coming with him and then he goes through a spell of 60, 59 and then it will be followed by a 180 and 140."

Still, Mardle had especially enjoyed Price's performance. "The players can't relax and you could see that with Gerwyn Price, but he was magnificent. I like Gezzy because he brings something different to the game. The way he plays the game he adds this passion and aggression it's not him. When he was flying tonight it was great watching that. He offers something and it's good to see."