Luke Littler Triumphs at World Series of Darts Finals

Luke Littler delivered an exceptional performance to claim victory in the World Series of Darts Finals held in Amsterdam. The 17-year-old rising star defeated 2023 world champion Michael Smith with a decisive 11-4 scoreline, continuing his remarkable run in the sport.

Littler, who had already gained recognition for his impressive wins in previous tournaments in Bahrain and Poland, entered the competition as the top seed. His remarkable skills were on full display as he secured the £80,000 top prize in his debut appearance at the event.

During the tournament, Littler showcased his prowess by beating several notable opponents. On Sunday, he defeated Chris Dobey 10-7 and later overcame local favorite Michael van Gerwen 11-4. His outstanding performance at AFAS Live included a 107.95 average and a run of nine successive legs against Van Gerwen.

Littler expressed his joy, stating, “I’m just happy to be stood here with the trophy at the end of a long day. I felt relaxed tonight and played really well across the whole weekend.”

The young star’s journey over the past year has been remarkable. He transitioned from playing on the Development Tour to becoming a recognized name in the World Championship. Littler is eager to build on his recent success and to continue achieving more titles in the busy schedule ahead.

Michael Smith, Littler’s final opponent, also had a strong tournament run, defeating Rob Cross and Peter Wright in earlier rounds. However, he struggled in the final, saying, “I just didn’t do anything in the final. It never happened for me, but I was lucky to be in the final.”

The darting calendar now shifts towards the 2024 BoyleSports World Grand Prix, set to take place at the Mattioli Arena in Leicester from October 7-13. The tournament will feature top players, including reigning champion Luke Humphries and six-time champion Michael van Gerwen. Littler is set to make his double-start debut in the prestigious event.