‘Mind-blowing’ – Luke Littler left astounded by Michael van Gerwen match scheduling

Luke Littler expressed his shock that Michael van Gerwen was set to play in Sunday’s afternoon session at the World Matchplay.

The current World Matchplay holder and reigning world champion, Littler was reflecting on his 10-6 first-round win over Niko Springer on Saturday.

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‘One of the biggest shocks’

He told Live Darts TV: “Yeah, very happy with myself. It was a very good performance.

“Obviously, the only really gutting thing was not going into the second break in the lead.

“But Niko played his part – nice little 140 [checkout] in there to hold throw – but from there onwards, I was just on it.

“We’ll come back Tuesday and just sharpen up on them doubles.”

Littler will play Nathan Aspinall in the second round after ‘The Asp’ beat Joe Cullen 10-5 in his opening match, impressing amid recent criticism.

Asked who he felt his main rivals for the World Matchplay title were, Littler said: “Yeah, I mean, I can’t say I’ve really looked at the draw.”

‘The Nuke’ was, however, surprised to see three-time world champion Van Gerwen heading to the oche so early in the day for his first-round clash with Andrew Gilding.

“I think one of the biggest shocks is Michael van Gerwen…is he on tomorrow afternoon?” Littler continued. “That is mind-blowing to me.”

“I know Michael – he’s always hungry for a title. Obviously, he’s not been winning much.

“Then, obviously, you’ve got to look at Luke [Humphries] and Gian [van Veen] as well – but I can only look [at] what’s in front of me…”

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Littler looking to go back-to-back

Littler is defending his title at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens having won the tournament for the first time last year.

After defending his World Championship crown with victory over Van Veen in January’s final, the 19-year-old went on to retain the UK Open in March and claim his second Premier League triumph in May.

World number three Van Veen is among the other stars in action at the World Matchplay on Sunday, as well as world number five Jonny Clayton and world number six James Wade.

The latest major on the PDC calendar concludes with the final next Sunday.

The Women’s World Matchplay takes place on the same day, with Beau Greaves seeded first.

Greaves was seeded for the first time in a PDC event at last month’s Players Championship 22 in Wigan.