Luke Littler and Gian van Veen have set up a mouth-watering Paddy Power World Darts Championship final after producing commanding performances in Friday night’s semi-finals at Alexandra Palace.
Littler continued his remarkable rise by dismantling Ryan Searle 6-1, becoming only the second player after Phil Taylor to reach the World Championship final in each of his first three appearances. The reigning champion averaged over 105 for the third time in the tournament, firing in ten 180s as he recovered from losing the opening set to dominate proceedings. After reeling off six straight sets, the 18-year-old sealed another place on the sport’s biggest stage.
“It feels good to reach the final, I’ve joined another short list of names of players who have had back-to-back-to-back finals,” said Littler.
“Now, the only goal is to join the list of people who are back-to-back World Champions.”
Across the oche, Van Veen booked his maiden World Championship final with a stunning 6-3 victory over Gary Anderson, averaging 103 in a classic contest. After dropping the opening set, the Dutch number one surged into control, winning four straight sets in a run that included multiple deciding legs. A breathtaking fifth set saw both players trade 170 checkouts, with Van Veen prevailing despite Anderson averaging over 117 in that stanza.
“I enjoyed every single second of it, I’m still pinching myself,” confessed Van Veen.
“My first ever dream was to be in the World Championship, I wasn’t dreaming about getting to a final – it feels amazing.”
Anderson mounted a late rally, but Van Veen steadied himself to close out victory and complete an unforgettable night.
“I’m very confident I can lift the trophy,” he added.
“Everyone knows what Luke is capable of. I need to bring out my A-game tomorrow, or else it’s going to be a very difficult game.”
With youth, form, and history colliding, the stage is set for a blockbuster final at Ally Pally.
Source: PDC.TV
