London – Seventeen-year-old Englishman Luke Littler became the youngest darts world champion in history. In the final of the championship, he defeated Michael van Gerwen 7:3 in sets at London’s Alexandra Palace, and for seven years he broke the record of the famous Dutchman from 2014.
After last year’s setback, Littler dominated the finals at the second attempt, capping off his brilliant debut season in the pros. For the triumph, he will receive 500,000 pounds (more than 15 million crowns) and will move to second place in the ranking. World No. 3 Van Gerwen will take home 200,000 pounds (six million crowns). Last year’s champion Luke Humphries, who this time was already eliminated in the round of 16 with Peter Wright, remains number one.
“I can’t believe it at all, every darts player dreams of lifting this trophy one day,” the new world champion rejoiced in a post-match interview right on stage. “Michael was always on my heels, we both put in a great performance. Even if I don’t win another title this year, it’s going to be an amazing year,” added Littler, who will celebrate his 18th birthday on January 21.
The 17-year-old talent did not give the three-time champion from 2014, 2016 and 2019 any chance in today’s final. Littler won the opening four sets, and although Van Gerwen then started to play a balanced game, he did not get closer than a three-set difference.
“Especially at the beginning of the match, I missed too many chances, I wasn’t in my skin. From 0:4 I was definitely not a worse player, but Luke punished every hesitation, he played great,” acknowledged Van Gerwen. “We have a new big star here. A player like that is born about once every 17 years, if you understand me,” joked the 35-year-old Van Gerwen after his seventh World Cup final.
Littler followed up with, among other things, a triumph in the Premier League, and he only needs a victory at the World Matchplay to complete the prestigious triple crown. Only three players in history have won it so far, apart from Van Gerwen Gary Anderson and the legendary Phil Taylor.
Of the Czech archers, only Karel Sedláček started in the tournament, who was eliminated in the 1st round with Rhys Griffin. Even due to unfavorable results in competitors’ matches, he did not remain among the 64 best players in the ranking and lost his PDC card. The same fate befell the other Czech among the professionals, Adam Gawlas. Both will fight for the card again next week at the so-called Q-School.
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Source: www.ceskenoviny.cz
