Despite falling short in his World Series of Darts title defence, Luke Littler displayed remarkable sportsmanship following his 11-7 defeat to Michael van Gerwen in Amsterdam.
The young sensation expressed genuine pleasure at witnessing the Dutch legend's resurgence.
"It's good to see him back," Littler told ITV, acknowledging the quality of Van Gerwen's performance throughout the weekend.
The teenager praised his opponent's exceptional form, suggesting their rivalry would produce compelling encounters in future.
Luke Littler displayed remarkable sportsmanship following his 11-7 defeat to Michael van Gerwen in Amsterdam
| GETTY"I'm having a good battle with him. If he keeps playing like that, there are going to be some good battles." Littler added.
Littler remained philosophical about the outcome, recognising that the home supporters were firmly behind Van Gerwen.
"It was a good tournament. The fans wanted Michael to win, and like I said to him, he played the best darts this weekend.
"It's really good seeing him back to his best."
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Luke Littler believed that Michael van Gerwen deserved the victory: 'He played the best darts this weekend'
|PDC
The three-time world champion captured his sixth World Series crown with a commanding performance on home soil, breaking his lengthy trophy drought in spectacular fashion.
The 36-year-old Dutchman sealed his success with an impressive 130 finish, the highest of the match, completing the checkout to secure a crucial break of throw in the match's closing stages.
This decisive moment came as he established an 11-7 winning margin over the defending champion.
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Playing before an adorning Amsterdam audience, Van Gerwen demonstrated the form that has made him one of darts' most successful players.
His victory average of 98.37 reflected a return to form that he maintained throughout the encounter and the weekend as a whole.
Littler had survived a quarter-final scare against Ross Smith, prevailing 10-8, before staging an extraordinary recovery in his semi-final clash with Gerwyn Price.
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Luke Littler prevailed against Ross Smith and Gerwyn Price over the weekend before ultimately falling short against Michael van Gerwyn in the final
|PDC
Trailing 9-5 against the Welshman, the 18-year-old produced five consecutive legs to force a deciding leg.
He then delivered consecutive maximum scores before closing out on double five after Price failed to convert at double top.
Van Gerwen's route appeared more straightforward, dispatching world No1 Luke Humphries 10-5 in the last eight before overwhelming World Cup champion Josh Rock 11-6 in the semi-finals.
The final itself featured dramatic swings in momentum, with both competitors trading three-leg bursts.
A crucial turning point arrived when crowd noise appeared to unsettle Littler at 6-6, allowing Van Gerwen to seize control.
VAN GERWEN IS A CHAMPION AGAIN! 🏆
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) September 14, 2025
Michael van Gerwen ends his two-year wait for a Premier title! 👏
The Dutchman beats Luke Littler for a memorable victory on home soil! 🇳🇱
📺 https://t.co/vLQQQ7uwqw#WSODFinals | Final pic.twitter.com/8wV74zx3Xs
Van Gerwen struggled to contain his emotions following the triumph, acknowledging the personal challenges he had faced in recent months.
"This is amazing," the Dutchman declared after securing the title.
The significance of performing before his home supporters clearly resonated with the veteran competitor. "To do this in front of your home crowd it means a lot to me," he revealed to ITV.
Van Gerwen dismissed suggestions he had been absent from the sport's elite level, insisting his passion remained undimmed.
"I've never been away! I needed to dig really deep to do this," he explained.
Littler, along with the rest of the darting community, seem delighted at van Gerwen's return to form.