Luke Litter sided with Michael van Gerwen during their Premier League clash despite their war of words with the teenager urging the crowd to ease off the Dutchman

Luke Littler showed his class with a brilliant response to Michael van Gerwen's "baby" comments ahead of their Premier League Darts opener in Belfast. In the build-up to Thursday's clash at the SSE Arena, a far-from-pleased Van Gerwen said his opponent “needs to learn” after the world champion turned up late for a Premier League press event.

Michael van Gerwen earned a classic 6-5 win over 18-year-old world champion Luke Littler on the first night of the Premier League of Darts in Belfast.

Michael Van Gerwen got his sweet revenge over Luke Littler on the opening night of the Premier League. Premier League night one got underway in Belfast with the invitational tournament throwing up

Littler destroyed the Dutchman in the World Championship final at Alexandra Palace last month to lift the Sid Waddell Trophy for the first time.

Michael van Gerwen has spoiled Luke Littler's Premier League of Darts title defence, beating him on night one in Belfast despite a 113.91 average from the World Champion

Michael van Gerwen reminded Luke Littler that he is ‘not a baby anymore’ after the defending champion arrived late for media duties on the Premier League’s eve. Littler returns to the Premier League as the tournament’s defending champion and the new world champion after his dominant performance against Van Gerwen in January’s final at Alexandra Palace.

Tensions are mounting between darts stars Michael van Gerwen and Luke Littler ahead of their Premier League opening-night clash in Belfast tomorrow, with Van Gerwen criticising the world champion for his late arrival at a media event.