Michael van Gerwen knocks Luke Littler out of the World Matchplay Darts in the first round after a series of costly errors

LUKE LITTLER’s dream debut at the World Matchplay turned into a nightmare thanks to Michael van Gerwen.

The teenage sensation was beaten 10-6 by the Dutchman at the Winter Gardens this evening.

Littler, 17, averaged 105 at one point but lacked his explosive scoring and finishing and was punished by a determined MVG.

He said: “I’ve won it quite a few times. I had nothing to lose, it was my debut.”

“Most professionals prefer to play on stage rather than behind closed doors.

“I prefer the fans to be there chanting my name and it will always be that way for me.”

MVG took control of the clash with four successive legs to lead 5-2.

But Littler fought back and fell behind 5-4.

But the teenager missed three free throws to allow MVG to lead 6-4 and never looked back.

Van Gerwen told Sky Sports after his victory: “It’s always fun to play a game at this level.

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“It’s incredible, but you have to face it and you can’t let yourself down.

“I had a vacation but I worked hard on my vacation.”

MVG added: “This means a lot to me because I’ve been going through a tough time, so doing something good and being rewarded for all your hard work is always nice.

“I don’t have to prove anything, but it’s good when you play well and average more than 100.

“It’s an incredible feeling. I hope it will continue to be like this for the rest of the tournament.”

MVG first won it by defeating James Wade 18-12 in the 2015 final.

The Dutchman retained the title by beating Phil Taylor 18-10 a year later.

Van Gerwen had to wait six years to achieve a hat-trick of titles.

But he achieved it in 2022 when he beat Gerwyn Price 18-14 in the final.

He now looks to go for No. 4 after punishing several expensive Littlers that knocked him out in the first round.