Littler masterclass seals back-to-back world titles

The second-year-old PDC World Championship was won by Luke Littler in a stunning display that defeated Gian van Veen 7-1.

Phil Taylor, Adrian Lewis, and Gary Anderson join the elite group of 18-year-old Englishmen as the only other player to have won the title twice in consecutive years.

Only Taylor, who has 14 PDC titles, and Michael van Gerwen, who have three, are also in command of more than Littler, who won only his third victory at Alexandra Palace.

The kind of masterclass he put on against Van Veen only raises the possibility that “The Nuke” may just chase down what appeared to be an unfathomable achievement, even though Littler may still be 12 shy of Taylor’s PDC record.

Littler told Sky Sports, “It’s very special. “We have to keep going, and we must keep adding titles,” he said. We are unable to leave this place. This rollercoaster is still in use.

Littler struggled to stay in the middle of the match, eventually coming in at 106.02, leaving Van Veen, who was only a short distance away, helplessly behind.

Littler, who had already taken control of the final, came out in style with a 147 checkout before letting out a roar as he turned the crowd that had supported him throughout the entire match.

Van Veen’s biggest game of his life started well in the top of his career, where he will rank third in the PDC world rankings and play for the first time in the Premier League following his triumphant exit.

The Dutchman, 23, won the first set by winning with a score of 116 for a 12-darter before the second set.

Littler turned it on, though, and that was as good as it could get. Van Veen’s teenage opponent returned and leveled up with a 116 with the help of checks of 145 and 127 to start the second set.

The champion’s victory came in the third set when he won the first set by reeling in the big fish, which had a maximum of 170 checks, and then won the fourth set, going up 3-1 after winning nine of the previous ten legs.

Van Veen attempted to start the fifth, scoring a 137, but Littler’s only threat was the return of the Ally Pally wasp, which he had attempted to avoid.

Van Veen struggled to recover from his previous success as Littler relentlessly pursued his goal with a stunning victory.

Van Veen told Sky Sports, “The scoring maybe wasn’t my greatest game in the entire tournament.”

“Luke wasn’t interested in giving me any more chances.” He did a fantastic job.

Littler’s remarkable year, which he has completely dominated darts, comes to an end with his reigning world champion achievement.

He has won five major titles, including the UK Open, Grand Slam of Darts, and World Grand Prix, as well as the World Matchplay, which was used to complete the triple crown of darts.

Former PDC professional Matt Edgar told BBC Radio 5 Live, “He just keeps improving and getting better, and I still don’t believe we’ve seen the best of Luke Littler yet.”

“I believe we’re demonizing him, and I believe he’s doing something better than everyone else’s.”

Wayne Mardle, a five-time World Championship semi-finalist, said on Sky Sports, “There’s nothing he can’t do on a dartboard.”

“Phillip Taylor played well, and he won,” he said. He wins when he plays well. At the moment, it is really about him.