The rivalry between Luke Littler and Michael van Gerwen gained further momentum after the 17-year-old was defeated in a deciding leg in the fourth Premier League event of the season.
The pair faced off in the semi-finals at Newcastle’s Nutita Arena, with Van Gerwen storming into a 5-3 lead.
Littler stormed back to level the match and appeared to leave the Dutchman hanging after Van Gerwen tried to punch him with his fist after the 17-year-old had leveled the score.
Van Gerwen recovered from missing six match darts in the penultimate leg when he broke Littler’s throw and captured the decider.
The two stars shared a hug after Van Gerwen’s 6-5 win, which set up a final against Nathan Aspinall.
Luke Littler left Michael van Gerwen hanging after forcing a decisive leg in the semi-finals
Van Gerwen and Littler hugged after the Dutchman defeated the 17-year-old in the decider