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.

Luke Littler showed his class with a brilliant response to Michael van Gerwen's "baby" comments ahead of their Premier League Darts opener in Belfast. In the build-up to Thursday's clash at the SSE Arena, a far-from-pleased Van Gerwen said his opponent “needs to learn” after the world champion turned up late for a Premier League press event.

Luke Humphries beat Nathan Aspinall, Michael van Gerwen and Chris Dobey on his way to winning the opening night of the Premier League Darts; series continues next Thursday in Glasgow with coverage fro

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 has spoiled Luke Littler's Premier League of Darts title defence, beating him on night one in Belfast despite a 113.91 average from the World Champion

Michael van Gerwen reminded Luke Littler that he is ‘not a baby anymore’ after the defending champion arrived late for media duties on the Premier League’s eve. Littler returns to the Premier League as the tournament’s defending champion and the new world champion after his dominant performance against Van Gerwen in January’s final at Alexandra Palace.