Luke Littler and Gian van Veen have maintained complete silence for three weeks following their heated confrontation in Manchester earlier this month.
The tension erupted during a Premier League decider that went to the final leg, when the 19-year-old Littler celebrated after Van Veen failed to hit a match-winning dart.
Littler subsequently missed his own opportunity to clinch victory, and the pair exchanged an icy handshake once the Dutchman eventually secured the win.
Since that fractious encounter, the two young rivals have avoided each other entirely, even warming up in different practice areas backstage at Premier League events.
Speaking after his impressive nightly triumph in Liverpool on Thursday, Littler confirmed that no attempts have been made to clear the air between them.
“We’ve not spoken but I’m not the type of person to go up and talk to him or something like that,” he said.
The teenage sensation suggested Van Veen might be waiting for him to make the first move, but explained that initiating conversations simply isn’t in his nature.
Luke Littler and Gian van Veen have maintained complete silence for three weeks following their heated confrontation in Manchester earlier this month
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PA
“People talk to me first, I’m not the type of person to be chatting away,” Littler added.
“We can settle it on the dartboard. I think he’s forgotten about it, I’ve forgotten about it.”
An intriguing rivalry is developing between these two emerging talents in the sport.
Littler and Van Veen clashed on stage in Manchester earlier this month
| REUTERSFive things to know about Luke Littler | PA
While Van Veen emerged victorious from their Manchester confrontation, Littler had previously defeated him in a significant encounter at January’s World Darts Championship final.
The standings currently favour the English teenager, who occupies a comfortable position within the Premier League playoff places.
Van Veen, meanwhile, finds himself in fifth spot with considerable ground to make up if he hopes to secure his place in the knockout stages.
The pair have not been drawn against each other in any of the three Premier League nights held since their Manchester dispute.
Littler acknowledged the period following the Manchester incident had been challenging but insisted he has put it behind him.
“It’s been a tough couple of weeks but I’ve just had to get on with it and play my darts,” he said.
Luke Littler is eager to reel in Jonny Clayton at the top of the Premier League table after winning in Liverpool
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“That’s what I’ve done and getting this nightly win puts my confidence right back up there.”
The teenager revealed he went on holiday immediately after the clash and has since turned his attention to what lies ahead.
Despite Van Veen claiming Littler was “out of order” in Manchester, while also saying he “loves Luke to bits,” the young Englishman remains unapologetic.
“I don’t regret anything,” Littler stated.
