Luke Littler has once again made it to the World Darts Championship final, ensuring a hefty payday. The 17-year-old darting prodigy defeated Stephen Bunting in the semi-finals at Alexandra Palace, setting up a thrilling face-off with Michael van Gerwen on Friday night.
Littler’s impressive performance in north London saw him triumph in five matches over the holiday season, beating Ryan Meikle, Ian White, Ryan Joyce, Nathan Aspinall, and Bunting, mirroring his success from last year’s tournament. His sights are now set on outdoing his previous achievement when he squares off against Van Gerwen.
Despite his tender age, Littler is no newcomer to the high-pressure finals of the world’s premier darts tournament, having been runner-up in last year’s final where he was beaten by world No. 1 Luke Humphries.
After an outstanding debut season that saw him pocket $767,484.28 (£618,500) in prize money from major events, the young star is aiming to top his previous record this time around. Regardless of the outcome, he is guaranteed a substantial sum in prize money.
If he ends up as the runner-up again, his winnings will increase to $248,180 (£200,000). However, if he manages to clinch the trophy on Friday night, he will walk away with a cool $620,540 (£500,000).
He’s keeping his feet firmly on the ground, though. After his victory over Bunting, he told Sky Sports: “It’s been an amazing tournament so far. People will say I was looking at the title throughout the tournament but I was looking at the first game against Ryan Meikle, and ever since I’ve just got to beat what’s in front of me. I’m so glad to win tonight.”
“I’ve played a lot better and won plenty of titles leading up to this, but that’s what we do, we lead up to the big one. There are majors all year round but I can’t wait for tomorrow night.”
“If we [Littler and Van Gerwen] both turn up like we did tonight, it [the final] is going to be really good. As soon as Luke Humphries went out, that’s what everyone was looking at. I just had to focus on my quarter-final and semi-final, and now I’ve done that I can focus on Michael tomorrow.”
“We all know he’s hunting for that world title but I’m hunting for my first. The same as last night – go home, chill out and be back tomorrow.”
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