Astonishing Littler storms to Mr Vegas Grand Slam of Darts glory

Luke Littler stormed to his maiden televised rating title with an astonishing Mr Vegas Grand Slam of Darts triumph in Wolverhampton, after dispatching Martin Lukeman 16-3 in Sunday’s showpiece.

Littler – additionally the Premier League and World Collection of Darts Finals champion in 2024 – added one other televised crown to his rising haul to cap off a record-breaking marketing campaign at WV Energetic Aldersley.

The 17-year-old had raced by way of the group stage with three wins for the lack of simply 4 legs, earlier than surviving a match dart to edge out World Grand Prix champion Mike De Decker in a gripping final 16 tie.

Littler then powered by way of to the semi-finals with a 16-2 demolition of Jermaine Wattimena on Saturday, which arrange a captivating showdown in opposition to two-time World Champion Gary Anderson within the semi-finals.

The Warrington wonderkid gained by way of a 31-leg epic in opposition to Anderson in a pulsating final 4 conflict, recovering from 13-9 adrift to triumph with a 103 common and 16 maximums.

Anderson produced an impressed seven-leg blitz to grab management in opposition to the teenage sensation, conjuring up 164, 142 and 102 checkouts in the course of the spell to race into an 11-7 lead.

Littler fought again from the brink to degree at 14-14, earlier than touchdown three 180s within the final two legs to disclaim the two-time World Champion in a breath-taking deciding-leg shoot-out.

The teenage celebrity then produced some of the dominant shows in Grand Slam historical past to demolish Lukeman and change into the ninth totally different participant to elevate the long-lasting Eric Bristow Trophy.

Lukeman gained the ultimate’s opening two legs in 27 darts to grab the early initiative, however then it was one-way site visitors as Littler gained 16 of the following 17 legs to pocket the £150,000 prime prize, together with the £3,500 bonus he claimed from topping his group.

“I’m so glad to win this title,” mirrored Littler, who averaged 107.08 to prevail in lower than 35 minutes of taking part in time.

“I’ve been taking part in rather well all match; it’s been a tricky week, however the arduous work has paid off!

“I’ve all the time bought to have my scoring energy with me, irrespective of who I play. I had a sluggish begin in opposition to Martin, however I kicked on from there.”

Littler now joins Phil Taylor, Michael van Gerwen and Peter Wright in turning into the fourth participant to elevate ten PDC titles in a calendar 12 months, which parachutes him as much as fifth on the PDC Order of Advantage.

“I knew coming into the match, if I did get my fingers on the trophy I’d be as much as quantity 5 on this planet,” continued the younger phenom.

“There’s nonetheless extra rating tournaments to go this 12 months, so hopefully I can go a bit larger than quantity 5!

“I can not wait to play in each occasions. Hopefully I can have a deep run in Minehead, after which it’s all eyes on the massive one – the World Championship!”

Lukeman, that includes in his maiden televised remaining, made an authoritative begin to Sunday’s decider, just for Littler to reel off three consecutive legs in 13, 12 and 11 darts to steer 3-2 on the first interval.

The Premier League champion continued his relentless pursuit in the direction of the title with one other five-leg blitz within the second session, earlier than following up 100 and 78 checkouts with a ten-darter to steer 11-2.

Lukeman halted Littler’s astonishing sequence of 15 straight legs to get a 3rd leg on the board, however any hopes of a revival have been short-lived when Littler adopted up a twelfth 180 with a 14-darter on double six to seal the deal.

“Luke is simply totally different gravy,” mirrored a gracious Lukeman, who has already secured his qualification for subsequent 12 months’s Grand Slam of Darts by advantage of his run to the ultimate.

“He’s completely sensible. He has finished nice issues for the game and has introduced in so many new followers.

“I want Luke and his household all the perfect. He’s an incredible child, and I couldn’t stay with him tonight.”

Lukeman carried out magnificently on debut in Wolverhampton, defeating Peter Wright, Rob Cross and Leonard Gates within the group stage, earlier than seeing off Ross Smith and Cross to proceed his dream debut.

The 39-year-old then grew to become the primary Tour Card Holder Qualifier to function in a Grand Slam remaining after overcoming fellow debutant Mickey Mansell 16-12 within the afternoon’s opening semi-final.

Mansell made a assured begin to lead 3-0, though Lukeman responded by successful six of the following seven legs – aided by 122 and 88 finishes on the bull.

The Northern Irishman loved a mid-match revival to degree at seven apiece, however Lukeman proved too sturdy, averaging 99 and touchdown a dozen 180s to interrupt new floor within the West Midlands.

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