Michael van Gerwen drops hint as to how underdog could distract Luke Littler in World Darts Championship showdown

MICHAEL van Gerwen has dropped a hint for Luke Litter’s first opponent at the World Darts Championship.

Littler faces hairdresser Ryan Meikle in his second-round opener and the Ally Pally crowd will be buzzing to see him back in action.

But three-time champ Van Gerwen, 35, does not share the same enthusiasm.

In told his post-match press conference on Friday night: “I see him every week, why would I care? Who is he playing?

“Ryan is a good player. Ryan is quite a slow player so maybe we could have a surprise.”

Van Gerwen also took his opportunity to needle Littler about the first-round defeat he inflicted on him at the World Matchplay in July.

He added: “It wouldn’t be the first tournament he loses first round this year as well.

“But I still expect him to win. He’s great for what he’s done for the sport of darts. Amazing.”

Littler, who won Young Sports Personality of the Year this week, is a big favourite and one of the favourites to lift the crown.

The 17-year-old has climbed to fourth in the live provisional PDC Order of Merit, which is based on prize money earned over a two year period.

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Meikle sits 58 places below him in the world rankings.

Meikle has already faced a scare at the Ally Pally in his opening match 3-2 victory against Queen of the Palace Fallon Sherrock.

Away from the oche, the 28-year-old from Ipswich sees him work as barber in Suffolk.

Speaking ahead of their match-up, Meikle appeared slightly awestruck at the prospect of playing Littler.

He told BBC Suffock: “There’ll be millions tuning in just to watch his game and I’m going to be a part of it.

“I’m going to feel honoured just to be up there with him.

“Obviously I need to play a lot better than I did in the first round but being up there once now – the first round is always the hardest – hopefully I’ll relax a bit more and play my best game.

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“I’m living the dream and it’s the most amazing feeling.”

Tonight will be his fifth visit to the World Championship stage – and he’s never made it past the second-round.

Girlfriend Millie will come along to support him again.

Millie reportedly works as a midwife at East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust, according to The Mail.