Littler vs Van Gerwen LIVE: World Darts Championship final reaction

[ad_1] Luke Littler explains Didier Drogba inspiration behind World Darts Championship celebration Luke Littler turned the youngest ever world champion of darts with an excellent show within the closing at Alexandra Palace, blowing away three-time winner Michael van Gerwen to win 7-3.

Littler, 17, was crushed by world No 1 Luke Humphries in final yr’s closing, however he returned to the identical stage 12 months later and made no mistake this time, overwhelming his esteemed opponent with peerless ending to race right into a 4-0 lead.

Van Gerwen appeared nervous within the opening forays and struggled to settle, competing gamely along with his three-dart scoring however lacking an array of doubles to surrender successful positions. The Dutchman battled again within the latter levels nevertheless it was too little, too late, because the teenage famous person from Warrington cemented his title among the many greats of the game – and commenced what many imagine can be a brand new period of dominance.

Comply with all of the response from Luke Littler’s victory on the World Darts Championship beneath.

World Darts Championship closing LIVE Van Gerwen: “Each 17 years a star is born" On his loss, van Gerwen mentioned: “Early doorways, I’ve fallen behind, and after that I wasn’t going myself justice.

“ I feel after going 4-0 down, I used to be positively not the worst participant out of us. Truthful play to him, each probability he bought, each second he needed to harm me, he did it.

“I at all times say, each 17 years a star is born, and he’s one in all them.

“I had a beautiful match and I loved each second of this experience.

On the match, he provides: “Initially of the sport I used to be letting myself down an excessive amount of, and while you play a participant along with his capacity, you’re going to be in bother.

“It's what it's, you must transfer on. He did nicely and he deserved it, what can I say. In fact it hurts, however that’s the way it ought to be.

“I've to maneuver on, I've to verify I hold enjoying higher,” he provides.

Chris Wilson 3 January 2025 22:17

LITTLER WINS THE WORLD DARTS CHAMPIONSHIP (Getty Pictures) Chris Wilson 3 January 2025 22:14

Littler: “I can’t imagine it" Littler is the primary to talk to Sky Sports activities, and he says he “can’t imagine” the consequence.

“We each performed so nicely, and I mentioned in my interviews I wanted to get off to an excellent begin and that’s what I’ve carried out.

“He was proper behind me the entire method by.

“Everybody desires of lifting the trophy, however you’ve bought to get by a tricky area. I cant imagine it,” he provides.

“That first sport [against Meikle], I hold saying it, nevertheless it’s the sport that basically mattered. I’ve simply settled.

“I used to be practising backstage on the tops and 10s. 2-0 up I began getting nervous, I mentioned to myself simply chill out. To get it over and carried out with then was particular.”

On what he’s discovered from final yr’s loss, he mentioned: “I discovered rather a lot, final yr within the semis towards Rob Cross that was the primary time I used to be 1-0 down.

“Tonight and all through the match, I wanted to exit and make an excellent begin.

“Earlier at this time I watched all the sport again towards luke, and I had the visions.

“I might finish 2025 successful nothing, however i picked up the most effective, however clearly I wish to get extra. If I finish 2025 with nothing [else], I’ve picked the large one up.”

Chris Wilson 3 January 2025 22:10

LITTLER WINS THE WORLD DARTS CHAMPIONSHIP Littler lifts the Sid Waddell Trophy in entrance of a jubilant Ally Pally crowd, and we’ll have some quotes quickly.

(Getty Pictures) Chris Wilson 3 January 2025 22:02

LITTLER WINS THE WORLD DARTS CHAMPIONSHIP Loads of emotion from Littler as he realises the enormity of what he’s carried out. He’s embraced by van Gerwen, who’s gracious in defeat.

Littler has now gained the 2024 Premier League, the 2024 World Collection Finals, the 2024 Grand Slam of Darts and the 2025 World Darts Championship.

Chris Wilson 3 January 2025 21:59

LITTLER WINS THE WORLD DARTS CHAMPIONSHIP Littler has the throw now, after all, and this leg is tighter than the final. he works it all the way down to 132, needing two bulls and a double 16...

He hits two straight bulls, however misses double 16! What a end that might’ve been.

It seems like only a matter of time now...and the 17-year-old lands the double 16 on the second time of asking to take the title!

Chris Wilson 3 January 2025 21:56

Littler vs van Gerwen - 6-3 (2-0) Littler with the throw to start out this one – he will get all the way down to 48, with MVG needing 137, however he misses tops. Littler strikes it round for double 10, lands it, and he’s inside two legs of the title.

Within the subsequent leg, Littler lands an excellent 171 that attracts loads of shouts, and he wants 62 to take the leg – he takes it, touchdown tops to maneuver inside ONE LEG of the world title!

Chris Wilson 3 January 2025 21:53

Littler 6-3 van Gerwen - Van Gerwen wins the ninth set! Littler seems to be confused as his throws go extensive of the mark and he’s damaged, with van Gerwen taking the set 3-1!

Chris Wilson 3 January 2025 21:51

Littler vs van Gerwen - 6-2 (1-2) 180 right away to start out with from MVG, and Littler can solely reply with 96 and 58.

Van Gerwen’s 140 leaves 66 wanted, and he takes 50 earlier than touchdown double eight. 2-1 right here, and Littler wants the subsequent leg to power a decider.

Chris Wilson 3 January 2025 21:49

Littler vs van Gerwen - 6-2 (1-1) Littler hits the twenty fourth 180 of the match to this point, leaving himself needing 164 – he will get the trebles, however misses the bullseye! Van Gerwen punishes him with a 14-darter of his personal, discovering double 16 to carry throw.