Luke Littler, 17, slammed as ‘RUBBISH’ and only a ‘stage player’ by darts rival in incredible outburst

LUKE LITTLER has been slammed by darts rival Gerwyn Price, who described the teenage sensation's recent performances as "rubbish".

Littler, 17, has taken the sport by storm and won over the hearts of the nation with some stunning displays in the oche that has seen him beating some of the absolute greats despite his young age.

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However, the wonderkid has suffered a surprise dip in form after his Premier League title win, losing two out of his last three matches.

That included a shock loss in the first round of Players Championship 13 in Milton Keynes last week.

The Nuke is now gearing up for the World Matchplay where he will take on Michael van Gerwen in the first round on Sunday.

However, the outspoken Price, 39, didn't hold back on his assessment of his rival.

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In fact, the Iceman went as far as to describe Littler as a "stage player".

The Welshman, though, is confident the Warrington star will rediscover his best form this weekend and simply insisted the youngster is a big game player.

Price told Online Darts: "'I think it's all eyes on one Luke at the minute cause Luke Littler's not really doing much at all.

"I mean he was rubbish on the weekend in the Pro Tours.

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"I know he's probably a bit like Dimi [Dimitri Van den Bergh] and Kevin Painter, he's a stage player.

"No doubt about it, he's going to perform in the Matchplay.

'But Michael [van Gerwen] - what a first-round game that is.

"It's going to be difficult for both of them but I think Michael will come out fighting. Who knows who's going to win that one."

Inside Littler's massive rise

LUKE LITTLER has taken the darts world by storm since exploding onto the scene at the PDC World Championship.

The Nuke reached the final on his Ally Pally debut at just 16 years of age - smashing records along the way.

He has since joined Jude Bellingham on the Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe list.

And the teenage titan even had to snub an invite from the WWE.

The Sun exclusively revealed that Littler is plotting to create a fitness empire.

He is also cashing in away from the Oche thanks to an Instagram side hustle.

And he's even the face of a brand new cereal.

The wonderkid has now cemented his place among the tungsten elite by winning the Premier League Darts final - and the £275k top prize.

Check out all of our latest Luke Littler stories.