DARTS fans have been left stunned by Michael van Gerwen’s former appearance – as the Dutchman prepares to battle for another world title.
The three-time PDC champion faces teen sensation Luke Littler on Friday in an Ally Pally showdown.
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The Dutchman shot to fame during his own teenage years, fast becoming the sport’s hottest property.
Ahead of MVG’s showdown with Littler on January 3, fans have enjoyed a trip down memory lane.
A throwback clip of The Green Machine’s debut appearance at the Ally Pally show a very different Van Gerwen to the one we know now.
Sporting a wiry frame and a shock of auburn hair, MVG is the same age as Littler in the video.
Van Gerwen began playing darts at 13 and within just four years was playing against one of the sports great legends in Raymond van Barneveld.
In 2007, aged 17, he threw a nine-darter against Barney to make history as the youngest player to ever achieve the feat at a televised event.
And the records would continue to tumble.
After a few years of inconsistency, he would eventually win his first PDC Tour title in 2012.
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Just two years later, he became the youngest world champion in darts history, beating Peter Wright 7-4 in the final to claim the title at the age of just 24.
He remains the youngest winner ever – but Littler could steal that accolade on Friday night.
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Van Gerwen has gone on to win the PDC championship on two more occasions – in 2017 and 2019.
Following a tough 2024, Magic Mike has hit form at just the right time.
He’s beaten James Hurrell, Brendan Dolan, Jeffrey de Graaf, Callan Rydz and Chris Dobey to set up the Littler showdown.
But Littler – who has racked up over £1million in prize money across 2-2024 – will be a new test entirely.
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READ MORE on all the build-up to the Ally Pally extravaganza…
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The Nuke said: “”Everyone else is looking forward to it more than I am, but if I win seven sets I will be happy.
“Michael has been in numerous finals, this is my second.
“I know where I went wrong last year and I am sure I will fix it.”
“It will mean everything, if I win seven sets I’ll be over the moon. I can’t wait to get on stage.
“It’s the stuff of dreams, everyone wants to pick up a trophy, but you have to be at the top of your game to do it.”