Luke Littler suffers shock defeat in 2026 Premier League Darts opener

Luke Littler has started his 2026 Premier League Darts campaign with a surprise defeat to Gian van Veen.

Although the pair recently met in the World Championship final, the 18-year-old prevailed 7-1 in that showpiece event and won the World Masters last weekend.

However, the teenager was well below par against Van Veen, who overcame missed chances of his own to record a 6-4 victory.

Van Veen needed to average just 95.55 and hit three 180s on his way to a statement win in what was his first-ever appearance on the Premier League stage.

Checkouts of 67 and 74 helped put the Dutchman into a 3-2 lead, but there were signs of nerves when he blew three darts at a double to move 4-2 ahead.

VAN VEEN DEFEATS LITTLER ?

What a result for debutant Gian van Veen ?

The Dutch number one avenges his World Championship final loss to Luke Littler and defeats the world number one 6-4!

? https://t.co/LnNAPX0oQz #PLDarts | QF2 pic.twitter.com/jQAejiJHyK

— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) February 5, 2026

Despite Littler capitalising to take a 4-3 advantage, his 23-year-old opponent - who has quickly become one of his fiercest rivals - impressively punched back to reel off the next three legs.

Who won Premier League Night One in Newcastle?

Michael van Gerwen was the eventual victor in Newcastle, recording a 6-4 victory over Van Veen in the final.

The seven-time winner of the event had earlier posted 6-2 wins over Stephen Bunting and Luke Humphries respectively.

Jonny Clayton was the other losing semi-finalist, having initially averaged nearly 110 to beat Josh Rock by a 6-2 scoreline.