Michael van Gerwen has criticised world champion Luke Littler for his poor timekeeping after the 18-year-old arrived 45 minutes late for a media day in Belfast.
Littler, who became the youngest world champion when he defeated the Dutchman last month, is one of eight players competing in the Premier League which starts in Northern Ireland on Thursday.
The teenager from Warrington said he had overslept after taking a morning nap, which did not impress his colleagues.
“They need to stop treating him like a baby. He’s not a baby any more, he’s 18 years old now,” Van Gerwen told reporters.
“It happens. He has to learn. You have to learn the hard way. It’s a professional sport so you have to be responsible for your actions. Simple as that.
“If he turns up late for an interview, I don’t mind. But seven other people are waiting for him. That’s not very nice, is it?”