Luke Littler’s Premier League Darts campaign hit a setback on Thursday evening as the teenage world champion fell 6-4 to Michael van Gerwen in the semi-finals whilst struggling with illness.
The 19-year-old appeared far from his usual self during the Antwerp encounter, later revealing he had been fighting flu symptoms throughout the night.
Following his elimination, Littler said: “A bit of flu going on but this is darts, we’ve just got to get on with it. My game at the minute is going well, playing well.
“Last week didn’t go to plan but it’s a fresh week. Everyone knows, I’ve said it for the past two years, I’ve won both European tours in Belgium, get a Premier League here. The PDC have sorted it.”
The loss leaves the youngster positioned in the middle of the table following the opening fortnight of competition.
Before facing Van Gerwen, Littler had secured his passage through the quarter-finals with a dramatic comeback victory against Luke Humphries.
Humphries appeared to have the match firmly under control, racing into a commanding 4-1 lead over his younger rival.
However, he squandered three opportunities to close out the contest, missing match darts that would have ended Littler’s evening far earlier.
Luke Littler revealed he had been fighting flu symptoms throughout the night
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The match ultimately went to a deciding leg, where Littler prevailed to extend his remarkable dominance over Humphries to five consecutive victories.
Their rivalry has been entirely one-sided since Humphries defeated Littler in last May’s Premier League final, with the 2024 world champion visibly frustrated by his missed chances.
The semi-final proved a back-and-forth affair with neither player able to establish sustained control.
Van Gerwen struck first, breaking Littler’s throw immediately with double 10, though the teenager responded in kind to restore parity.
Luke Littler’s Premier League Darts campaign hit a setback on Thursday evening
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Littler edged ahead following a clinical 107 checkout on double 16, but the Dutchman drew level before breaking again to lead 3-2 after Littler narrowly missed the bullseye for a 170 finish.
The pattern continued with both players trading breaks, reaching 4-4 before the crucial moment arrived.
Littler failed to convert three attempts at double six, allowing Van Gerwen to break once more and move 5-4 ahead before sealing victory on double 16.
Taking to Instagram after the evening’s action concluded, Littler struck an optimistic tone about his campaign despite the semi-final disappointment.
Luke Littler faced Van Gerwen
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He posted: “First points on the board and still a lot more to come this season. See you soon Scotland.”
Van Gerwen’s run to the final ultimately proved fruitless, with Gerwyn Price claiming the evening’s honours with a 6-3 victory over the Dutchman.
Sky Sports pundit Laura Turner urged both Littler and Humphries not to panic after their underwhelming starts.
She noted the tournament’s demanding nature and warned that concerns would only mount if their struggles extended into weeks three and four.
