Young darts champion Luke Littler created a stir among enthusiastic darts fans in Cardiff with an unexpected revelation. The Wales Online article recounted Littler’s impressive performance in Cardiff, where he secured his third Premier League win of the season with a stunning nine-dart leg in a 6-4 final victory over Michael van Gerwen. Demonstrating exceptional skill, Littler thrilled the packed crowd at the Motorpoint Arena by hitting an astonishing 10 180s and achieving a match average of 112.50, extending his Premier League lead by six points.
Despite his remarkable success, Littler shocked everyone by admitting that he had not practised at all during the week leading up to the event. Following his triumph, which included the perfect nine-dart moment that ignited wild celebrations, Littler candidly confessed, “I hadn’t even picked up my darts since last Thursday.” Reflecting on his final shot, Littler shared, “I didn’t even realise the double 15 was in until Huw (Ware, referee) shouted it.”
In an engaging twist, Littler revealed his strategy for the nine-dart finish, stating, “I hit one two weeks ago at the Pro Tour and I went the treble 17, double 15 route after missing double 12 numerous times last year.” Emphasising the significance of maintaining focus after such a momentous achievement, Littler remarked, “You’ve seen players in the world championships hit the nine and go out in that game, so I had to focus after that.”
The article detailed the intense match between Littler and Van Gerwen, with both players delivering exceptional performances. Van Gerwen, who also hit four maximums and boasted an average of 101.41, engaged in a fierce battle with Littler. The back-and-forth nature of the game saw Littler breaking the first throw in 15 darts and subsequently sealing his victory with a perfect leg. Despite Van Gerwen’s resilience, Littler’s consistent performance secured another crucial win for him in the Premier League.
Earlier in the competition, Littler had overcome tough opponents, including a 6-2 victory against Rob Cross and a 6-3 win over Nathan Aspinall in a less intense match. Van Gerwen’s journey to the final also showcased his prowess, defeating Chris Dobey and Luke Humphries before facing Littler. The captivating darts event in Cardiff also featured encounters like Gerwyn Price’s dramatic 6-5 loss to Rob Cross, adding to the excitement of the evening.
As the darts world continues to witness thrilling matches and unexpected turns, Luke Littler’s recent triumph in Cardiff stands out as a testament to both skill and spontaneity in the sport. His awe-inspiring performance, coupled with his candid admission of lack of preparation, has endeared him to fans and highlighted the unpredictable nature of elite-level darts competitions.
Amidst the cheers and celebrations echoing through the Motorpoint Arena, Luke Littler’s victory serves as a reminder of the thrill and excitement that darts enthusiasts experience when witnessing top-tier players showcasing their remarkable talent on the big stage.