Michael Van Gerwen has criticised world champion Luke Littler for his poor time keeping after the 18-year-old arrived 45 minutes late for a media day in Belfast.

He needs to learn’ - Littler had overslept during a morning nap and kept Van Gerwen and the six other competitors waiting at the Premier League media launch

Michael van Gerwen aims dig at Luke Littler for oversleeping - Duo renew rivalry after teenager’s win in the World Championship last month

Tensions are mounting between darts stars Michael van Gerwen and Luke Littler ahead of their Premier League opening-night clash in Belfast tomorrow, with Van Gerwen criticising the world champion for his late arrival at a media event.

Luke Humphries powers to victory as Michael van Gerwen defeats Luke Littler in classic - The world number one produced a finishing masterclass against Chris Dobey, having earlier beaten Nathan Aspinall and Michael van Gerwen.

Luke Humphries wins opening night after Michael van Gerwen beats Luke Littler in epic - Littler beaten despite huge average before Humphries marches past Chris Dobey in final

Luke Littler has congratulated Michael van Gerwen after the 18-year-old lost to the Dutchman on the first night of the Premier League Darts on Thursday. The teenager had entered the showdown hoping to lay down a marker as he looks to win the competition for the second year on the trot.

Littler destroyed the Dutchman in the World Championship final at Alexandra Palace last month to lift the Sid Waddell Trophy for the first time.

Michael van Gerwen ended Luke Littler's Premier League title defence in Belfast, securing a 6-5 quarter-final victory despite the teenager's remarkable 113.91 average. The clash at the SSE Arena saw the defending champion fail to secure any points in his opening game of this year's tournament.

Michael van Gerwen reminded Luke Littler that he is ‘not a baby anymore’ after the defending champion arrived late for media duties on the Premier League’s eve. Littler returns to the Premier League as the tournament’s defending champion and the new world champion after his dominant performance against Van Gerwen in January’s final at Alexandra Palace.

Michael van Gerwen earned a classic 6-5 win over 18-year-old world champion Luke Littler on the first night of the Premier League of Darts in Belfast.