Michael van Gerwen has scolded Luke Littler for turning up late for a Premier League photo shoot after a morning nap, proclaiming: “He’s not a baby any more.”

Littler irked the man he beat to win his first World Darts Championship last month by keeping Van Gerwen and six other players waiting at the official launch of the new season, which begins in Belfast on Thursday.

The opening night gives three-time world champion Van Gerwen a chance to avenge that defeat and he stoked their rivalry by accusing Littler, who turned 18 last month, of showing a lack of respect.

“They need to stop treating him as a baby,” the Dutchman said. “He’s not a baby any more; he’s 18 years old.

“It happens. He has to learn. You have to learn the hard way. It’s a professional sport so you have to be responsible for your actions, simple as that.

“If he turns up late for an interview, I don’t really mind. But seven other people were waiting for him. That’s not really nice. But it is what it is.”

Defending Premier League champion Littler laughed off his public dressing down but acknowledged Van Gerwen needed no extra motivation.

He said: “He’s going to be up for it, he’s going to be hungry. But I’m up for it as the reigning champion. Whoever wins, it will be big for us.

“This is the biggest tournament I am going to defend all year round until the worlds. Tomorrow night is so important to get that first win against Michael.

“I’m feeling OK. I might feel nervous when it does come to the task tomorrow, but there are always nerves, but I’m hoping to make a fast start like I did in the final.

“The first win last year came here in Belfast, so I have got good memories here and I want to kick on.”