‘People keep being scared’ – Michael van Gerwen warns rivals after Luke Littler and Luke Humphries claim by Gerwyn Price

Michael van Gerwen has dismissed the idea that Luke Littler and Luke Humphries’ domination can continue for years to come.

The world’s top two players have won 11 of the last 16 major events ahead of next month’s PDC World Darts Championship.

Getty

Littler added to that tally with his triumph at the Players Championship Finals on Sunday.

It follows his successful defence of the Grand Slam of Darts, where he beat Humphries in the showpiece match.

However, Gerwyn Price raised doubts that over the longevity of their current dominance over the weekend.

The Iceman claimed they will not keep winning once they stop ‘having the rub of the green’.

And Van Gerwen agrees with Price’s comments ahead of his return to Alexandra Palace.

Mighty Mike spoke to talkSPORT at Monday’s draw for the PDC World Darts Championship.

Asked if he thinks Littler and Humphries will slow down, he said: “Yes, of course.

“It doesn’t have to be next year, but no one’s going to do that for multiple years. I can’t see that happening.

“But other people still have to step up. If other people don’t step up and other people keep being scared and don’t play as well as they can against them, then anything is possible.

“But of course, they are great players.”

talkSPORT

Littler leapfrogged Humphries at the top of the world rankings with his victory at the Grand Slam.

However, the pair remain ahead of world number three Van Gerwen in the two-year rankings.

Meanwhile, the Nuke will head to Ally Pally on a 13-match winning streak which dates back to the final floor event of the year in October.

As for Van Gerwen, he will be eyeing a fourth world title in London and a first since 2019.

The 36-year-old was beaten by Littler in last year’s final as the teenager surpassed him as the sport’s youngest-ever world champion.

Van Gerwen will make his 19th consecutive appearance at the event next month, with the tournament getting underway on December 11.

Getty

talkSPORT will have live coverage of every match from the PDC World Darts Championship on the talkSPORT Darts YouTube channel and across the network.

The event runs through the festive period until the final on January 3.

Van Gerwen begins his campaign against Japan’s Mitsuhiko Tatsunami in the first round.

The winner of that tie will take on either William O’Connor or Krzysztof Kciuk in the last 64.

What did Gerwyn Price say?

Van Gerwen’s comments come after Price discussed the form of Humphries and Littler on Saturday.

After reaching finals day in Minehead, he explained: “When I lost to Luke last week, I felt he played better.

Getty

“But watching some clips back, he was pretty timely, big shots at the right time. Otherwise it could’ve gone the other way.

“At the minute, the two Lukes are having the rub of the green. But when that changes, will they keep winning? I don’t think so.”

Price added: “You need the rub of the green to win tournaments. Even though Luke didn’t win the final, he had it against me. He scored well, I didn’t.

“Those key moments went in his favour. Somewhere down the line, that’ll change.”

Price was beaten in the semi-finals of the Grand Slam by Humphries earlier this month.

His run at the Players Championship Finals was then ended at the same stage by Littler on Sunday.