World No.1 and reigning world champion Luke Littler suffered a setback ahead of his bid to retain the PDC World Championship against Michael van Gerwen
Luke Littler suffered a setback at the hands of Michael van Gerwen(Image: (George Wood/Getty Images))
Luke Littler suffered a setback ahead of the PDC World Darts Championship after tasting defeat to Michael van Gerwen in the International Darts Cup final. Van Gerwen clinched an 8–6 triumph in front of 7,500 spectators in Tampere.
While the tournament is an exhibition affair, its proximity to the World Championship makes every result particularly interesting. The 2026 PDC World Darts Championship kicks off next Thursday, with Van Gerwen set to take on Mitsuhiko Tatsunami in his opening game.
The Dutch ace is eager to leave a turbulent year in the past by securing a historic fourth crown next month. He said: “It’s been a tough year, probably my worst year ever.
Luke Littler is looking to defend his World Championship crown(Image: Getty Images)
“There have been a lot of changes in my personal life. You need to try and adjust, but that’s not always easy. I have big shoulders and I am facing this situation, and that’s what you have to do if you want to move on.”
The three-time world champion continued: “The reality is I’m not the favourite this year. Luke and Luke are playing better than me at the moment, so I have to step up. It’s as simple as that.
“The World Championship is a different animal – the crowds, the stage, the atmosphere, the media attention. It is a different type of pressure, and it’s always nice to chase someone. It’s easier than being hunted.
“My game is getting there, but it takes time. Everyone knows where I am coming from. As I’ve said before it’s been a really tough period, but I am still a positive man and that is really important.”
Michael van Gerwen has had a difficult 2025(Image: Getty Images)
Meanwhile, Littler has his sights set on becoming the first player in a decade to successfully retain the World Championship crown. Only Phil Taylor, Adrian Lewis and Gary Anderson have ever managed to defend their title at Ally Pally, with the Scottish ace triumphing in 2015 and 2016.
“Defending is different,” the world number one explained. “I have won the last few majors and now the big one is around the corner.
“Gary Anderson was the last person to go back-to-back and that was 10 years ago. I’ll try to go back-to-back. Only three people have ever done it, the last time was 10 years ago.
“So I want to go back-to-back. I am very happy with the draw, he’s not the quickest player in the world, but it’s all about getting past the first round.
“It won’t be easy, but I just have to try and get past the first round. If there is nerves I will know how to cope, I didn’t have a clue last year, but this year I know what to expect.”
