Michael van Gerwen posted a photo of him jokingly throttling Luke Littler after being on the receiving end of a trouncing from the 17-year-old at the Czech Darts Open.
Littler and Van Gerwen have played in some close contests this year, but the teenager wiped the floor with his rival on Sunday in Prague.
Van Gerwen took the opening leg to kick things off, but Littler then rattled off six consecutive legs as the Dutchman struggled to get a word in.
The teenager finished with an incredible 11-dart leg to wrap up the victory and progress to the semi-finals.
Michael van Gerwen had fun with Luke Littler despite his loss
INSTAGRAM/PDC
Van Gerwen averaged 112.19 in the match, which was the highest-ever losing average on the European Tour.
The 35-year-old was able to see the funny side of his loss afterwards and took to social media with a message for Littler.
Van Gerwen shared a photo of them both sharing a laugh while he playfully had his hand on the English darts star’s throat.
His caption read: “This is π»πΌπ gonna happen again.
“Fantastic game by @LukeTheNuke180 what a talent. All the best.”
His caption read: “This is π»πΌπ gonna happen again.
“Fantastic game by @LukeTheNuke180 what a talent. All the best.”
Darts fans watching the match also lavished praise on Littler after the quarter-final contest.
Michael van Gerwen congratulated Luke Littler after the match
PDC
One message read: “In this form he can win anything he wants. Unplayable.”
Another posted: “Luke is a freak of nature, every darts record is getting shattered.”
A third wrote: “No one can stop him!”
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One other asked: “I’m not even sure how you can stop him.”
Another said: “Averaging 112 and getting beaten 6-1 is insane.”
Littler progressed to the semi-final where he was drawn to face reigning world champion Luke Humphries.