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.

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

Luke Littler has congratulated Michael van Gerwen after the 18-year-old lost to the Dutchman on the first night of the Premier League Darts on Thursday. The teenager had entered the showdown hoping to lay down a marker as he looks to win the competition for the second year on the trot.

Michael van Gerwen aims dig at Luke Littler for oversleeping - Duo renew rivalry after teenager’s win in the World Championship last month

Luke Humphries powers to victory as Michael van Gerwen defeats Luke Littler in classic - The world number one produced a finishing masterclass against Chris Dobey, having earlier beaten Nathan Aspinall and Michael van Gerwen.

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.

He needs to learn’ - Littler had overslept during a morning nap and kept Van Gerwen and the six other competitors waiting at the Premier League media launch

The reigning Premier League Darts champ was 45 minutes late for a media call and Van Gerwen was less than impressed