Three-time world champion Michael van Gerwen appears to take a swipe at Luke Littler after Premier League defeat in Belfast as he offers a frank assessment of the 17-year-old star

Three-time world champion Michael van Gerwen aimed a swipe at teenage sensation Luke Littler after his Premier League defeat.

Littler, 17, defeated Van Gerwen, 34, in the semi-finals in Belfast on Thursday night with a score of 6-3.

The Nuke qualified for the final and beat Nathan Aspinall 6-4 to win his maiden Premier League night.

However, the Dutchman said he wasn't very impressed with the Warrington star as he claims his performances were 'not convincing'.

Speaking after the contest, Van Gerwen told Viaplay: 'Right at the beginning of that match it went wrong. 

'I can see he's not comfortable and then I'm just too preoccupied with him instead of concentrating on my own game.

"But there was still more in it. I have now played Luke six times, three of which I lost and three of which I won. 

'Every time he won against me it was not convincing, while he does against other players. I just have to take advantage of that, which is still a downside that it didn't work out tonight.'

Littler's triumph moved him up to second place in the table behind world champion Luke Humphries and boosted his hopes of making the play-offs at the O2 Arena next month.

He jumped ahead of Van Gerwen in the rankings, and the pair will meet again next week in the quarter-finals when the Premier League heads to Manchester.