Littler beats Van Gerwen to develop into youngest Ally Pally champion

17-year-old Luke Littler defeated three-time champion Michael van Gerwen 7-3 to develop into the youngest PDC World Championship winner in historical past.

Littler’s dazzling show at Alexandra Palace not solely surprised the darting world but additionally cemented his place as a phenomenon within the sport.

‘The Nuke’ shattered the file beforehand held by Van Gerwen, who received his first world title in 2014 on the age of 24.

Dealing with one of many best gamers within the historical past of darts, Littler confirmed no indicators of nerves.

He stormed right into a commanding 4-0 lead, leaving Van Gerwen struggling to maintain tempo.

Whereas the Dutchman finally managed to get three units on the board, he was unable to mount a critical comeback, all the time trailing Littler, who maintained a relentless tempo all through.

Littler’s efficiency was outlined by his medical ending and poise beneath stress.

After narrowly lacking out on the title final yr when he was overwhelmed by world No.1 Luke Humphries, the younger star returned to the grandest stage with renewed focus and dedication.

HISTORY. MADE. 🏆

LUKE LITTLER HAS DONE IT!!!

He’s topped the youngest ever champion as he wins the 2024/25 @paddypower World Darts Championship!

A particular expertise. pic.twitter.com/HVI8KtWrhh

— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) January 3, 2025

This time, there was no stopping him.

Van Gerwen appeared unsettled within the early phases of the match. Regardless of his sometimes sturdy three-dart scoring, he faltered when it got here to hitting doubles, permitting Littler to capitalise and prolong his lead.

The defeat marked a uncommon detect the largest stage. A 3-time world champion and some of the embellished gamers in darts historical past, the Dutchman was gracious in defeat, acknowledging his opponent’s distinctive efficiency.

Littler’s historic win on the age of 17 is a second that can be remembered in darting historical past. Because the youngest-ever world champion, he has not solely etched his title into the file books but additionally impressed a brand new era of gamers to dream massive.

Talking after the victory, he mentioned: “I can’t imagine it. We each performed so effectively.

“I’ve mentioned in interviews that I wanted to get off to a fast begin tonight and that’s what I did. However he was behind me the entire sport, these cowl photographs – he’d hit two trebles and I’d have to return again with two or three.

“Everybody desires of lifting this trophy. You’ve received to get by way of a tricky area. I can’t imagine it.

“I maintain saying it however that first sport in opposition to Ryan Meikle [in round two] was the one that actually mattered, and all through I’ve simply settled.

“At 2-0 up [in the final set] I began getting nervous however I mentioned to myself to simply loosen up. I used to be throwing for the match and to get it over and accomplished with then was particular.”

The query now could be: how far can Littler go? With this breakthrough victory, the sky appears to be the restrict for the younger sensation. If his efficiency at Alexandra Palace is any indication, the darting world might be witnessing the rise of its subsequent dominant drive.