Premier League Darts: Gerwyn Price backs himself at double tops against Luke Littler

Gerwyn Price says if his "life was on the line" he would still back himself to hit double tops over Luke Littler.

Litter, 17, has beaten Price at each of the last two PDC events after an incredible rise to fame when finishing runner-up at the World Championships.

The pair are part of the eight-strong field in Wales for the start of the 2024 Premier League Darts, and Price had plenty of praise for the debutant.

"Luke is a great player, he's young and he's got no scars yet," said Price.

"He's just playing with a bit of freedom and you can see that in him, on the board and in the practice room.

"But if I had to put my life on the line for double tops I'd back myself!"

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Littler beat 'The Iceman' 7-3 in the semi-finals of the Bahrain Masters before going on to beat Michael van Gerwen in the final.

Littler, who was just 16 during the tournament, also hit a nine-darter in the opening leg of his match against Nathan Aspinall to become the youngest player to do so on television.

A week later, Littler got the better of Price again, this time in the semi-finals of the Dutch Masters, but this time Van Gerwen got the better of the teenager in the final.

If Price and Littler are to meet on the opening night of the competition in Cardiff it would have to be in the final, an outcome which would not shock the Welshman.

"When I've seen him in and around the practice room, the way he approaches things he doesn't really interact," added Price.

"That's the way I was in the beginning and I think that's perfect for him. He gets up, plays darts and plays pretty well as well!

"There's no pressure on his shoulders and I think he'll relish it, I think he will be fantastic and play well every Premier League - and I hope he does as well."

A welcome return to Wales

Peter Wright, Rob Cross, Nathan Aspinall, Luke Humphries, Michael van Gerwen, Michael Smith, Gerwyn Price and Luke Littler make up the 2024 Premier League Darts line-up

Cardiff was a happy hunting ground for Price in the 2023 Premier League as he beat Chris Dobey, Van Gerwen and Aspinall to win the second night of the competition.

Price is often the target of jeers and boos, but on Premier League nights in Cardiff he has the crowd right behind him.

And backed by a vocal Welsh crowd on Thursday, Price is hoping to make it back-to-back wins at the Utilita Arena.

"I won here last year and there's no reason I can't do it again," said Price.

"I'm looking forward to it. When I come to Cardiff I relish it. I want to put on a performance and give a little bit back.

"Sometimes a home crowd can be an advantage and influence the result. The crowd I know will be supporting me but I'm sure they'll support the other players as well.

"So hopefully I start off with a good one, get some points on the board and then ease the pressure going into every other week."

Price topped the group stage last year having reached the final on nine of the 16 nights, winning four.

But after comfortably beating fellow Welshman Jonny Clayton 10-2 in the semi-final, 'The Iceman' was no match for Van Gerwen in the final as he lost 11-5.

Price is in good company having lost to Van Gerwen in a Premier League final. Peter Wright, Rob Cross and Michael Smith have all suffered the same fate.

Seven-time winner Van Gerwen is the only player in this year's competition who has lifted the trophy, something Price is looking to put right.

"I played brilliant all the way through Premier League [last year]," Price said.

"I found my feet, started pretty well early on so eased the pressure and hopefully I can do the same this year.

"I got myself through to he final for the first time but just fell short.

"I'll go one step further this time hopefully!"

Price faces Aspinall in the quarter-finals on Thursday, while Wright plays Cross, Luke Humphries and Littler meet once more and Van Gerwen takes on Smith.