Luke Littler has thrashed James Wade to win his first UK Open title at Minehead.
The reigning world champion is looking to add the status of world number one before the end of 2025, and dismantling Wade by an 11-2 scoreline has helped his cause.
Littler stormed into a 9-0 lead in the final, the majority of the time blitzing Wade as he barely had a trebleless visit through a one-sided final.
Although Wade was visibly hindered by an ankle or foot injury, it would have likely mattered little as Littler averaged 101.51 despite missing 17 darts at a double.
A total of nine 180s were also hit in comparison to Wade's one, the left-hander relieved to take two of the final four legs to avoid a whitewash.
Victory for Littler earns him his 12th PDC title and his fifth televised major, with the 18-year-old also defeating Gian van Veen and Jonny Clayton on Sunday.
Wade had earlier overcome world number one Luke Humphries and Josh Rock to reach his first televised final since the European Championships showpiece in 2023.
LITTLER IS THE UK OPEN CHAMPION! 🏆
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) March 2, 2025
Darting domination from Luke Littler!
The World Champion demolishes three-time winner James Wade 11-2 to lift the UK Open title for the very first time! 👏
📺 https://t.co/NoQ0dOaEl5 #UKOpenDarts pic.twitter.com/VSpv4i0X4U
What is the impact on the PDC Order of Merit?
Despite his success, second-placed Littler still sits a mammoth £646,500 adrift of Humphries in the PDC Order of Merit, albeit with Humphries having a significant chunk of prize money to defend during the second half of the year.
Meanwhile, Wade has moved into 12th position in the rankings, now just under £25,000 adrift of seventh place.
Darren Plant
