Luke Littler has become the youngest world champion in the history of darts with a 7-3 victory over Michael van Gerwen on Friday night.
The 17-year-old learned from the experience of being losing finalist 12 months ago by producing a stunning display to defeat the three-time world champion.
Littler dropped just three legs on the way to taking a 4-0 lead, the highlight being the 115.62 average that he recorded to take the second set.
Van Gerwen defied a 107.47 average from Littler in the fifth to finally get on the board, posting an eye-catching 132 checkout in the process.
Despite Littler producing his best darts of the final at this stage, the next two sets were shared, but a whitewash eighth set with a 112.73 average left Littler one away from history.
Although Van Gerwen made the teenager wait by cruising to the ninth, the Dutchman had no answer in the 10th, Littler averaging 109.98 and converting double 16 at third time of asking having initially missed that target for a 132 checkout.
LITTLER IS THE WORLD CHAMPION! 🏆
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) January 3, 2025
LUKE LITTLER ACHIEVES HIS DARTING DESTINY!
The 17-year-old sensation produces a spectacular display to defeat Michael van Gerwen 7-3 and create more history at Alexandra Palace!
📺 https://t.co/pIQvhqYxEj#WCDarts | Final pic.twitter.com/QbQgg2B1oA
Destiny. Fulfilled.
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) January 3, 2025
Luke Littler lifts the Sid Waddell trophy as he is crowned World Champion for the very first time 🏆
The first of how many? pic.twitter.com/VDLPdUJUUk
What did Littler have to say?
🗣️ "I just can't believe it. It's not sunk in yet!"
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) January 3, 2025
Luke Littler reflects on his record-breaking World Darts Championship triumph on a night of history at Alexandra Palace!#WCDarts pic.twitter.com/5Ee3B9e6G2
What does it mean for the PDC Order of Merit?
Littler moves into second position in the PDC Order of Merit, still almost £700,000 adrift of Luke Humphries despite adding a world title to the Grand Slam of Darts crown that he lifted in November.
Van Gerwen remains at world number three after reaching a seventh world final in his career, Rob Cross completing the top four that receive automatic entry into the Premier League.
The four wildcards for that tournament will be announced late on Monday afternoon.
Darren Plant
