Luke Littler delivered a masterclass on the World Series stage on Tuesday night, producing a series of scintillating performances to lift the inaugural Riyadh Season Saudi Arabia Darts Masters title at the Global Theater.
The reigning World Champion capped off a sensational campaign by defeating Michael van Gerwen 8-5 in the final, denying the Dutch superstar a second successive Middle East title. Littler also dispatched Gian van Veen and Gerwyn Price earlier in the evening, averaging 104.84 in a final that underlined his growing authority on the sport’s biggest stages.
Littler burst out of the blocks in the title decider, landing a spectacular 132 on the bull in leg two and rattling off three 13-darters to open up a commanding 4-0 lead. Van Gerwen responded with trademark resilience, narrowing the gap to 4-3, but Littler regained control with a clinical 115 finish before sealing victory with a superb 11-darter.
“I’m very happy to win this title,” claimed Littler, who celebrates his 19th birthday on Wednesday.
“It didn’t work out last week in Bahrain, but I’m really happy to come out to Saudi Arabia for the first time and become the first winner.
“Michael came back well after the break, but I started to find my form again and I’m really glad to win.
“I’ll celebrate my birthday tomorrow and then I’ll go over to Dubai with my family and girlfriend and have three days off.”
Earlier, Littler produced one of the performances of the night in a stunning comeback against Van Veen, overturning deficits of 3-0 and 4-3 to prevail with a remarkable 111.58 average. He then avenged his Bahrain defeat to Price with another assured display.
Van Gerwen praised the teenager’s brilliance despite missing out on a record-extending 18th World Series crown.
“I think Luke played absolutely incredible darts tonight,” claimed a gracious Van Gerwen.
The World Series of Darts now moves on, with attention turning to the Winmau World Masters in Milton Keynes later this month.
Source: PDC.TV
