Littler ‘getting better’ as he aims to join greats

In Saturday’s PDC World Championship final, Dutchman Gian van Veen takes on Dutchman Luke Littler, who has the chance to cement himself as one of the game’s greats.

Littler, who is only 18 years old, would become one of only six players to have won the title more than once.

At this point, Phil Taylor’s record of 16 titles, two BDO titles, and 14 PDC titles is unknown, but it is certainly a possibility that it might one day emerge.

No one was even remotely surprised when Littler triumphed over 20th-ranked Ryan Searle on Friday to reach his third world title at Alexandra Palace.

Littler quickly rose to the top of the charts after a startling 16-year run to the final, dominating in a way only Taylor and Michael van Gerwen have previously been able to.

They were blatantly unbelievable in their primes, according to them. Littler recalled watching it as a child.

“With what I’ve done, I can almost certainly say that I’m playing just as well with the titles, the averages, and the nine-darters on TV,” he said.

“Perhaps I’ll be on the same level if I get another title on Saturday.”

Littler is already the best player in the world and has shown promise to his rivals.

Former PDC professional Matt Edgar told BBC Radio 5 Live that “he just makes it look easy.”

He has made three World Championship appearances, and there is a chance that he will improve.

He appears to be easing himself while he plays these games, brushing inexperienced players aside.

Littler will undoubtedly continue to be a top player in the world of darts for many years to come.

But who, if anyone, might be able to stop him?

Luke Humphries is frequently regarded as having the highest likelihood.

The teenager has had his share of success recently, winning convincingly in the World Grand Prix and Grand Slam of Darts finals, while Littler’s 2024 world champion is capable of reaching somewhere close to the level shown by him.

The man perhaps, then, who defeated Humphries so convincingly in the World Championship quarter-finals?

Van Veen’s stunning victory over Gary Anderson in a classic semi-final was proof that it could not be ignored.

After not having previously won a match at the tournament, the 23-year-old’s run at Alexandra Palace is remarkable.

Van Veen won his first major PDC title with victory at the European Championship in October, and he is a two-time World Youth Champion after losing to Littler in the 2023 final.

He is now one win away from becoming the third Dutchman to win the Sid Waddell Trophy because of the confidence gained from that success.

Over the past few weeks, Van Veen consistently surpassed 100 and finished nervously on the biggest stage, making every effort to be the potential champion.

It is a far cry from his earlier struggles with dartitis, a condition that prevents players from releasing their darts.

Van Veen told Sky Sports after beating Anderson, “I remember three or four years ago when I was in Barnsley at the Metrodome struggling with dartitis and crying at a table.

What a journey did Edgar make to get to where he was, where he caught the eye, and where did he go before asking, “Can he take those big steps?”

“The big coming-of-age moment was when the title of Europe was picked up a few months ago. When we first noticed that this was a serious contender, we immediately recognized it.

If Van Veen wins on Saturday, he will topple to number two in the PDC world rankings, which he enjoys despite knowing how difficult it will be.

“Over the past few years, everyone has seen what Luke is capable of,” he continued.

“I’m really looking forward to it and hopefully it will be a great game,” he said. “He’s played fantastic in this tournament, and so have I.”

With Van Veen only five years his senior, Littler is only 18 years old, which has the potential to create a fierce rivalry for years to come.

As Littler continues on his path to greatness, darts would undoubtedly benefit from the development of a real rival.