World Champion Luke Littler says retaining his Premier League Darts title “would imply every part”.
The 18-year-old gained the eight-player elite invitational event in his debut 12 months in 2024 after defeating Luke Humphries within the decider.
In a repeat of the World Championship remaining, Littler kicks off his title defence in opposition to Michael van Gerwen in Belfast, the place he gained his first night time of Premier League darts final 12 months.
“Ever since final 12 months, I do know these gamers are going to have to tug it out of the bag to beat me,” stated Littler.
“That is in all probability the most important one I’ll defend all spherical till it involves the World Championships.”
The Premier League Darts happen throughout 16 nights throughout the UK, Eire and Europe earlier than the play-offs in London in Might.
Littler says his purpose is to safe a top-four end to safe a spot in finals night time on the O2 however “it is so necessary to get that win within the first recreation”.
“I’ve to get the highest 4, however I need to get that win tomorrow night time.
“If it does not occur, then I am going to reset however I am hoping for a fast begin tomorrow similar to the world remaining.
All through the weeks (final 12 months) I used to be all the time fourth or fifth, and I went on the run I went on with extra wins.”
Littler provides that profitable the Premier League title gave him the boldness to push on and develop into world champion.
He says that lifting the World Championship “was a special feeling” in comparison with profitable the Premier League crown after he felt folks questioned his place within the competitors.
“I used to be going into my first Premier League as a wildcard, I’d say,” Littler added.
“Folks have been saying I wasn’t prepared for it however I simply grabbed the chance whereas I might.
“Now I’ve gained it, it gave me lots of confidence going into the world excursions, the Euro sequence and now I am world champion.”
In a repeat of the World Championship remaining, Littler will begin his defence in opposition to Dutch participant van Gerwen, who has gained a file seven Premier League titles.
Littler says he has not watched his remaining again, solely the match-winning throw, however says his focus is on beginning his marketing campaign with a win.
“I am simply hoping to win that first recreation in opposition to Michael, get some factors on the board and see from there.
“He will be up for it, he will be hungry. I am clearly up for it because the reigning champion, so whoever wins tomorrow it will likely be massive for each of us.”
You possibly can observe dwell textual content commentary from every match day on the BBC Sport web site.
Premier League Darts – Belfast
Quarter-final schedule
Chris Dobey v Gerwyn Worth
Stephen Bunting v Rob Cross
Luke Littler v Michael van Gerwen
Luke Humphries v Nathan Aspinall