Luke Littler has revealed his strategy for handling what is expected to be a hostile Dutch crowd when he faces Michael van Gerwen this evening.
The 18-year-old world champion told talkSPORT he plans to ‘play up’ to the home supporters, but only under specific circumstances.
“Only if I win the game,” Littler said. “It would be a good thing to beat him in his backyard, just winning that game and guaranteeing myself in the semi-final.”
The quarter-final clash at the Dutch Masters marks the first meeting between the pair since Littler’s triumph in the World Championship final three weeks ago.
Luke Littler defeated Michael van Gerwen in the World Championship final
PA
Van Gerwen will be seeking revenge on home soil against the teenage sensation who denied him a fourth world title.
“I think Michael will be thinking that he wants revenge, especially in his backyard,” Littler acknowledged.
Both players secured their quarter-final spots with victories on Friday in Den Bosch.
Littler overcame Dimitri Van den Bergh 6-4, though admitted he “fell asleep” after taking a 2-0 lead.
“He was behind me the whole way. At 2-0 I fell asleep and then I just had to find another gear,” the teenager said.
Van Gerwen made lighter work of his opening match, thrashing fellow Dutchman Dirk van Duijvenbode 6-1.
Michael van Gerwen will be the home favourite
GETTY
“It’s a tough draw but I’m happy with this,” Van Gerwen said after his victory.
Van Gerwen will enjoy strong home support, befitting his status as one of the Netherlands’ sporting icons.
The three-time world champion was awarded the Knight of the Order of Orange Nassau in 2018, an honour similar to a British MBE.
His impressive trophy cabinet includes seven Premier League titles and five Masters crowns, including last year’s Dutch Masters.
Littler’s own achievements have been remarkable, having claimed the Grand Slam, Premier League and World Series Finals in 2024 before turning 18.
The quarter-final showdown in Den Bosch offers both players a chance to make an early statement in 2025.
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Luke Littler is hoping to progress to the semi-final
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For Littler, victory would mean his first Masters title of the year to add to his growing collection of major honours.
Van Gerwen, meanwhile, has the opportunity to reassert his dominance on home soil, where he has historically excelled.
The winner will progress to tomorrow evening’s semi-finals, with both players aiming to build on their convincing first-round performances.