Featured Image Credit: Lewis Storey/Getty Images
Topics: Luke Littler, Michael van Gerwen, Luke Humphries, Darts
Ben McCrum
Topics: Luke Littler, Michael van Gerwen, Luke Humphries, Darts
Michael van Gerwen has spoken out after Luke Humphries controversially labelled rival Luke Littler as the 'greatest darts player who has ever lived'.
Ever since Littler first emerged as one of the most promising players in darts a couple of years ago, his rise to the very top of the sport has been nothing short of spectacular.
In January, Littler became only the fourth player in history to win back-to-back PDC World Championship titles, and just weeks later, his victory in the final of the Masters on Sunday making him the joint-third most successful player in the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) era.
Given the fact that the 19-year-old is still very much in the early stages of his career, many have already claimed that Littler is the greatest darts player of all time, including his Masters final opponent Humphries.
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But now, Van Gerwen has addressed the claim, offering his own view on whether we can really consider Littler to be the best darts player we've ever seen.
Speaking after losing to Littler in the final of the Winmau World Masters, Humphries told ITV: "He has shown that true class.
"I said to him at the end I don't think he has a heart. He never folds under pressure. You try your hardest to put him under it but he never folds.
"It may be premature, but I think he's the greatest darts player that's ever lived."
Like Littler, Van Gerwen, who is ahead of Littler in the rankings of events won in PDC era with 48 major titles compared to Littler's 11, is often tipped as one of the greatest players ever to step up to the oche.
Therefore, ahead of the opening round of the Premier League on Thursday night in Newcastle, the Dutchman was asked for his thoughts on Hummel' claim and Littler's place in the GOAT debate.
"Maybe he said that in his emotions. Littler is without a shadow of a doubt a fantastic player and definitely one of the greatest players ever," Van Gerwen told the media.
"But to say he is the greatest player of all times a bit.... if he can continue this for another 10 years or 15 years then yes, he is right. But first, let him do it."
Although he was grateful for the praise, like Van Gerwen, Littler was quick to downplay Humphries' comment, claiming that darts legend Phil Taylor remains the greatest of all time unless he can somehow beat his impressive title count.
"It's really good to hear but I'm not one of those to go off and say 'yeah, I am the best' because I'm not the best," said Littler.
"Phil Taylor will always be the best, unless I somehow win more than him, and what he's done for the sport. So we can only see what happens in my career.
"Unless I go on and win 16 worlds and 16 Matchplays, or 17 then I'll get one over him then I'll be the best, but until someone breaks his records then he'll always be the best."