Luke Littler admitted his delight after adding another major title to his rapidly growing collection, following a historic victory at the inaugural Riyadh Season Saudi Arabia Darts Masters on Tuesday.
The World Champion etched his name into the record books by becoming the first player to lift a World Series of Darts trophy in Saudi Arabia, defeating Michael Van Gerwen 8-5 in the final at the Global Theater. Littler reached the showpiece by overcoming Gian van Veen and Gerwyn Price, before producing an average just under 105 to deny Van Gerwen back-to-back World Series titles in the Middle East.
After a quarter-final exit in Bahrain last week, Littler’s blistering run of performances in Riyadh ensured his 2026 campaign is firmly on track.
“To be the first winner here in Saudi Arabia, it means a lot,” confessed Littler, who secured his fifth World Series crown with the victory.
“It didn’t go to plan last week in Bahrain. Not a lot of practice went into it so that’s the result I get, but I was practicing quite a bit tonight and it’s paid off.
“We’ve come over here for the first time and everyone wanted to become the first champion, but I’m very glad to be the one to have done it. Hopefully we can come back next year and I can defend it.”
The teenage sensation, who celebrates his 19th birthday on Wednesday, has now won three of the last four World Series events and shows no signs of slowing down. His remarkable run includes 31 wins from his last 33 televised matches, with titles at the World Grand Prix, Grand Slam, Players Championship Finals, World Championship and now the Saudi Arabia Darts Masters.
“As I’m getting older and getting more experience on stage, I’m getting much better,” affirmed Littler.
“The experience comes into hand. I’ve definitely got better as I’ve got older and we’ve entered more tournaments.
“But we don’t stop here, we will try and get better.”
Following a short birthday break, Littler will turn his attention to the Winmau World Masters in Milton Keynes, a title he is determined to add to his collection.
“I definitely want to go to Milton Keynes and become champion,” asserted Littler.
“After the holiday, when I’m back, I’ll be practicing because it’s a title I’ve not picked up yet.
“Last year in the Masters I played pretty well early on, but then lost out to Jonny. It is what it is, that’s the format and what we’ve got to get used to, but I’ll be more than ready.”
Source: PDC.TV
