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

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 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

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 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.

Michael van Gerwen has spoiled Luke Littler's Premier League of Darts title defence, beating him on night one in Belfast despite a 113.91 average from the World Champion

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.