"Shouldn't immediately use terms like 'rivalry''' - Michael van Gerwen plays down battles with Luke Littler

Michael van Gerwen and Luke Littler have already faced each other eight times so far in 2024. Ahead of the Premier League Darts' visit to Rotterdam, both men sat down to speak to the press.

As you might expect, both players about the other and their blossoming rivalry, although Van Gerwen wouldn't use that exact terminology himself. ''You shouldn't immediately use terms like 'rivalry,''' stated the seven-time Premier League champion. "It doesn't surprise me how well he is playing. He has nothing to fear yet, is throwing freely and has nothing to worry about. He doesn't do this every week either huh? Last week he just threw a lousy final too."

In fact, van Gerwen believes a different Luke is his real rival. "I think there is more of a rivalry between Luke Humphries and me. If you have exciting matches then that's always fun for the viewer. But then you shouldn't use terms like rivalry right away. People immediately think of my clashes with Phil Taylor and Raymond van Barneveld, but you just can't make that comparison yet."

Last week, Van Gerwen won over Littler in the weekly final. After this match, the Dutchman pointed out that Littler is still 150 titles behind him, something 'the Nuke' was quizzed on during his press conference.

"Those words from Michael van Gerwen don't do anything to me. Everyone knows how many he's won and I've only won a few this year. I have no idea what I learn from Michael van Gerwen. We occasionally discuss things, but nothing in particular. The conversations are about everything."