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Michael van Gerwen has criticised satellite champion Luke Littler for his mediocre timekeeping aft the 18-year-old arrived 45 minutes precocious for a media time successful Belfast.
Littler, who became the youngest satellite champion erstwhile helium defeated the Dutchman past month, is 1 of 7 players competing successful the Premier League which starts successful Northern Ireland connected Thursday.
The teen from Warrington said helium had overslept aft taking a greeting nap, which didn't impressment his colleagues.
"They request to halt treating him similar a baby. He's not a babe immoderate more, he's 18 years aged now," Van Gerwen told reporters.
"It happens. He has to learn. You person to larn the hard way. It's a nonrecreational athletics truthful you person to beryllium liable for your actions. Simple arsenic that.
"If helium turns up precocious for an interview, I don't mind. But 7 different radical are waiting for him. That's not precise nice, is it?"
After their gathering successful the World Championship final, the brace met again successful the quarter-finals of the Dutch Masters 2 weeks agone with Littler again coming retired connected top.
They are acceptable to renew their rivalry again astatine the oche successful Belfast connected Thursday arsenic they volition look each different successful their opening quarter-final of this season's Premier League.
You tin travel unrecorded substance commentary connected the BBC Sport website from 19:00 GMT connected Thursday
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