Michael van Gerwen's new two-word nickname for Luke Littler as pair's rivalry continues

Darts prodigy Luke Littler has been given a playful nickname by rival Michael van Gerwen - but he's yet to respond to being called 'Kebab Boy'. Both players are currently battling for a spot in the Premier League Darts play-offs.

Thursday night's match in Rotterdam saw neither player at their best, with Littler losing 6-3 to Michael Smith and Van Gerwen disappointing his home crowd with a 6-4 loss to Luke Humphries. The Daily Express reported on how Van Gerwen is handling the budding rivalry with the new kid on the darts scene.

With only four events left before the top four compete at the O2 Arena on May 23, Littler is currently tied for second place with Humphries, while Van Gerwen sits in fourth. Despite the clear competition between the two stars at the oche, they appear to have a friendly relationship off-stage. The young star was greeted with a "Hey there, Kebab Boy" when he met the three-time world champion in the Netherlands.

Van Gerwen revealed to the press before the tournament that he often refers to the 17 year old as 'Kebab Boy', ignoring the 'Nuke' nickname that has become associated with the young player. "We are always egging each other on, and that's what I always call him,'' he said. However, when asked if Littler had a nickname for him, the Dutchman joked that if the teen did, he would be too scared to say it.", reports the Daily Star.

"I don't know, but he doesn't dare say it yet, I think," said Van Gerwen. "I'm twice that boy's age, right?".

Littler's love for kebabs became legendary during his extraordinary journey to the PDC World Championship final at Ally Pally in January. After his initial victory over Christian Kist, he disclosed that he celebrated the win with his favourite takeaway and a fizzy drink, leading to an influx of free kebab offers and sponsorship deals.

Littler and Van Gerwen have had their share of memorable moments this year, with the latter publicly cautioning the young player about facing disappointment on the PDC Tour once his apparent honeymoon phase concluded. In February, during a nail-biting Premier League semi-final in Newcastle where the score was tied at 5-5, Littler seemed to snub an attempted fist-bump from Van Gerwen, instead turning his back before the decisive leg.

However, the 34 year old brushed off any suggestions of tension, despite acknowledging their significant age difference. But that doesn't mean conversation will turn to serious matters anytime soon.

"We just have a good relationship, but real conversations we haven't had," added the Dutchman. "I sometimes ask him something, it's always darts-related. So should I start talking politics with a 17 year old guy? If you ask him about Manchester United, he knows everything. That's a generation gap."

The pair have clashed eight times on the tour this year, with a balanced record of four victories each. They are expected to be drawn on opposite sides when the Premier League heads to Liverpool next Thursday, implying they won't face off at the M&S Bank Arena unless both reach the final.