The 17-year-old Littler brilliantly beat Van Gerwen 7-3 with an average of almost 103 as he went one better than 12 months ago

The 17-year-old is the early favourite ahead of his tie against three-time winner van Gerwen

The Dutchwoman started strongly against compatriot Kevin Doets but ultimately lost 3-1 in an entertaining match that saw her become the first transgender woman to play at the PDC World Darts Championship