‘The Bullet’ had not won any of his previous matches, while world champion Littler lost the opening quarter-final.

The world champion had claimed the first set with a 116 average.

Van Gerwen let slip 3-0 and 6-2 leads before edging an enthralling contest.

Littler has made it his mission to defend his historic title and on this evidence it is going to take something special to stop him.

Littler was well-beaten by Gerwyn Price on Friday.