Teenage darts sensation Luke Littler has revealed plans to parade his PDC World Championship trophy at Old Trafford after making history as the youngest-ever winner of the prestigious tournament.
The 17-year-old secured a stunning 7-3 victory over three-time champion Michael van Gerwen at Alexandra Palace on Friday night.
Littler’s triumph caps off a remarkable year in the sport, during which he has claimed victories in Bahrain, Austria, Belgium and Poland, earning £1million in prize money.
The Manchester United fan wasted no time expressing his desire to celebrate his historic achievement at the Theatre of Dreams.
Luke Littler became the youngest world champion on Friday
Reuters
The teenage prodigy dominated the final from the start, racing into a 4-0 lead against the experienced Dutchman.
Littler averaged over 102 and threw 12 180s in an imperious display at Ally Pally, landing an impressive 56 per cent of his attempts at double.
“I can’t believe it. We both played so well,” Littler told Sky Sports after the match.
“I’ve said in interviews that I needed to get off to a quick start tonight and that’s what I did.”
Van Gerwen, who previously held the record as youngest world champion when he won his first title aged 24 in 2014, graciously acknowledged: “We all know I’ve come from a far distance and I’ve been battling my own game.
“I’m 35, he’s 17. Every 17 years, a star gets born.”
Speaking after his victory, Littler couldn’t resist a playful dig at Liverpool and semi-final opponent Stephen Bunting.
“If they allow me to, then I’m sure I’ll go to Old Trafford,” said Littler.
“I’m glad I beat Stephen yesterday because I’m pretty sure he was planning taking it to Anfield at the weekend.”
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Luke Littler is a huge United fan and wants to parade his trophy at Old Trafford
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The comment referred to his commanding 6-1 semi-final victory over Liverpool fan Bunting on Thursday night.
The timing of Littler’s triumph held extra significance ahead of this weekend’s Premier League clash between Manchester United and Liverpool at Anfield.
Prior to the semi-final, Bunting had openly shared his aspirations for the trophy, should he have won it.
“It’d be a dream come true to take trophy to Anfield,” Bunting had said.
Luke Littler managed a dominating victory over Michael van Gerwen in the World Championship final
Reuters
“It would be even more fantastic because we play Man United, that would be unbelievable.”
The contrast between the two clubs’ current fortunes is stark, with Liverpool sitting six points clear at the top of the Premier League.
Manchester United, meanwhile, find themselves in 14th place after a difficult start under new manager Ruben Amorim, who took charge in November.
The Red Devils enter Sunday’s clash having lost their last three Premier League matches, including a 4-0 home defeat to Bournemouth.
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