Luke Littler insists he is relishing his 'blockbuster' first round showdown against Michael van Gerwen at the Betfred World Matchplay tonight.
Two of the sport’s biggest names will collide at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens on Monday evening, as teenage sensation Littler makes his World Matchplay debut against three-time champion Van Gerwen.
The Dutch superstar has enjoyed more success at the Empress Ballroom than any player in this year’s 32-player field, having followed up back-to-back wins in 2015 and 2016 with an epic victory two years ago.
"I think my reaction was the same as any darts fan - it's a blockbuster first round tie,” admitted Littler, one of only two debutants left in this year’s event.
"It's going to be a completely new experience for myself on debut, but I've been putting the work in on the practice board, and I can't wait to get on that Winter Gardens stage.”
Littler and Van Gerwen have already locked horns on nine occasions in 2024, with Van Gerwen boasting a slender 5-4 advantage in the overall head-to-head.
The three-time World Champion won their last two encounters during the Premier League, having also denied the 17-year-old to triumph in January’s Dutch Darts Masters.
However, Littler prevailed in their first meeting to lift the Bahrain Darts Masters title a week earlier, before recording three consecutive wins over the Dutchman in the Premier League.
This included an astonishing tussle between the pair on Night Seven in Nottingham, when Littler defied a 110.94 average from Van Gerwen to run out a 6-2 winner with a 114 average.
"I remember our first game in Bahrain when I got one over him, but we've played each other many times since,” Littler continued.
"He beat me when he was on home soil in Den Bosch, and then we played each other many times during the Premier League.
"Playing Michael - I know I bring the best out of him, and he brings the best out of me. We always have good games, so I'm expecting the same on Monday.”
Littler has taken the darting world by storm over the last seven months, following up his historic run to January’s World Championship final by capturing the Premier League title on debut.
The Warrington wonderkid landed a nine-darter in his remarkable 11-7 victory against Luke Humphries – one of four perfect legs he’s produced in 2024.
Having also won six titles in as many months since turning professional, Littler is now eyeing further history, as he aims to emulate Larry Butler and Dimitri Van den Bergh by winning the World Matchplay on debut.
"It would mean everything to beat a player like Michael in the first round,” admitted the World Youth Champion.
“I think our side of the draw could open up for either one of us, so if I could get past Michael, I would fancy my chances for another good run.”
World number three Michael Smith and 2018 champion Gary Anderson will also go head-to-head in a captivating tie on Monday, and Smith is looking forward to renewing his rivalry against his former mentor.
“Being in the same team as Gary for ten years - he’s always someone I’ve looked up to and I still do,” insisted the 2023 World Champion.
“We are still mates and when I was in the same team he always wanted to smash me up to show me who was the boss!
“The friendship but the will to win against Gary on the board is still there. It’s a good rivalry to have.”
Elsewhere, Australia’s number one Damon Heta will play Ryan Searle in a battle of last year’s quarter-finalists, while former Masters winner Chris Dobey meets debutant Ritchie Edhouse, as the first round action concludes in Blackpool.
Monday July 15 (1900 BST)
First Round x4
Damon Heta v Ryan Searle
Michael Smith v Gary Anderson
Michael van Gerwen v Luke Littler
Chris Dobey v Ritchie Edhouse