• Van Gerwen beat Luke Littler 6-5 in the semi-finals as their rivalry continues
  • Littler claimed his maiden World Series title after victory at the Bahrain Masters
  • Michael van Gerwen won for a third straight week of the Premier League Darts 

Michael van Gerwen has demanded a cease to the ‘stupid questions’ asked of Luke Littler in a plea to ease the pressure on the teenagers shoulder. 

The 17-year-old has enjoyed a remarkable few months after bursting onto the scene at the World Championship last year. A run that saw him make it all the way to the final at Alexandra Palace. 

Littler has gone on to claim his maiden World Series title after defeating Van Gerwen in Bahrain. However, the Dutchman has responded in kind with wins in each of their last three meetings. 

The most recent came in a 6-5 Premier League Darts semi-final win in Newcastle on Thursday before Van Gerwen went on to defeat Nathan Aspinall in the final. 

The three-time world champion responded to questions about Littler during his post-event press conference, where he implored the media to back off the young star. 

Michael van Gerwen beat Luke Littler 6-5 in the semi-finals of the Premier League Darts in Newcastle this week

Michael van Gerwen beat Luke Littler 6-5 in the semi-finals of the Premier League Darts in Newcastle this week

The three-time Premier League champion secured his third victory of the season after beating Nathan Aspinall in the final

The three-time Premier League champion secured his third victory of the season after beating Nathan Aspinall in the final

He began by jokingly replying to a reporter who noted a burgeoning rival between the pair. He said: ‘Not really, I keep beating him.’

‘He’s a phenomenal player,’ Van Gerwen added. He has a lot of talent and he has such a great career in front of him.

‘But like I always say, get the pressure a little bit off him. Don’t ask him too many stupid questions. Just let him enjoy what he does and it makes him a better player in the long run.

‘He’s a young kid, how much pressure the press and everyone puts on his shoulders – it’s insane.’

The three-time Premier League champion clinched a 6-4 win over Aspinall, who was appearing in his first final of the season.

Littler has already signed major sponsorships deals, including the reportedly multi-million-pound deal with fashion retailer boohooMan

Littler has already signed major sponsorships deals, including the reportedly multi-million-pound deal with fashion retailer boohooMan

Littler stormed his way onto the darts radar with his performances at Alexandra Palace during the World Darts Championship last year

Littler stormed his way onto the darts radar with his performances at Alexandra Palace during the World Darts Championship last year

Van Gerwen is now eight points clear at the top of the Premier League standings, with opening night winner Michael Smith second on seven points.

Littler lies third on seven but is yet to win a stop on the series, with Rob Cross completing the top four on six points.

The youngster’s meteoric rise was again highlighted with the announcement that he has signed a first professional contract and launched his very own range of darts merchandise.

This comes after he penned a deal with boohooMAN earlier this year, believed to be a multi-million pound agreement, based on bonuses and potential earnings that he could earn in the coming years, as well as a percentage of sales. 

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Post source: Daily mail

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