Michael van Gerwen warns Littler 'I've got balls of steel' as he's ready to go distance in World Darts Championship final

Confident Michael Van Gerwen insists he has balls of steel.

And, although he’s backing Luke Littler to smash his PDC age record, he’s hell-bent on ensuring it won’t be tonight. Van Gerwen is desperate to win the World crown for a fourth time. The Dutchman has recovered from a poor 2024 of no major wins to storm into the Ally Pally showpiece. Asked why’s come back so strongly, he said simply: “Because I’ve got balls of steel.

“I think no one expected me to reach the final. If you give people a pound coin, they would have bet against me, but I know I can prove different and I don’t care what anyone else says. I’ve been in this position a few times and the moment people don’t believe in me, that’s the moment I have to keep fighting, keep digging.

“Maybe I’m going to be the underdog, but people that know me maybe see it a little bit differently. I was favourite two years ago, I lost that. Now I’m not favourite and maybe I’m going to win it.”

Van Gerwen has the scent of success in his nostrils, but warned: “I’ve been there before, I don’t want to make the same mistake. The smell’s not good enough, you want to touch it.” Luke’s been there, but he had a sniff, and I’m going to make sure it keeps a sniff as well.”

Currently, Van Gerwen is the youngest-ever PDC champion at 24, but Littler can destroy that mark by winning at 17 years of age. But that’s no issue for the Dutchman who relishes having sustained battles with The Nuke.

Van Gerwen said: “With his capability, it would surprise me if he’s not going to beat it, but I don’t really care. I don’t look at stats. The same people talk to me about beating some of Phil Taylor’s records. It’s all about what you do now, and whoever’s in your path. You have to face it and beat it.

“I