If Luke Littler wished to ship a serious warning to the remainder of his rivals forward of the World Darts Championship, he did simply that.
The 17-year-old was in blistering type as he demolished Martin Lukeman 16-3 to win the 2024 Grand Slam of Darts.
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Littler’s triumph additionally marked his first victory at a PDC ranked televised occasion and catapulted him to fifth on the planet rankings.
Lukeman took a shock 2-0 lead within the ultimate earlier than Littler rattled off a staggering 15-straight legs.
The underdog Lukeman managed to cease Littler’s tidal wave of momentum and celebrated together with his arms outstretched, nevertheless it solely delayed the inevitable as the teenager wrapped it up within the nineteenth leg.
It was as dominant a efficiency Littler might’ve requested for in a ultimate as he rattled off a staggering 12 180s and averaged 107.08, whereas Lukeman mustered only one and averaged 93.42.
Talking after his victory, Littler revealed the Grand Slam was one he ‘wished’ to win to show he might carry out in a serious.
“I used to be very proud of my efficiency,” Littler informed Sky Sports activities.
“The most effective feeling was when all of the confetti got here out. That is what we play for.
“The World Championship modified me and altered my efficiency. Now the months have gone on and I am getting used to all of it. I’ll must get used to it for a really very long time.
“This is without doubt one of the ones I wished to win. My main report is not the very best, nevertheless it’s OK now. I wished to return right here and go deep. It is even higher now I’ve performed it.”
As to how Littler will have a good time his win?
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“I will in all probability go dwelling, play on my Xbox and simply chill,” Littler stated.
Lukeman, who soaked up the gang chanting his title after the competition, was gracious in defeat.
“He’s (Littler) simply completely different gravy,” Lukeman informed Sky Sports activities.
“He is good, is not he? He is performed nice for the PDC, nice for the game, bringing a great deal of new followers and sponsorships.”
Lukeman taking out the 18th leg of the competition additionally prevented Littler from equalling the report for the most important profitable margin in a Grand Slam ultimate.
The report belongs to Phil Taylor, who set the bar in 2009 when he thrashed Scott Waites 16-2.
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Regardless, it was as dominant a efficiency Littler might have requested for with the World Championships across the nook.
Littler will hope to go one higher than his beautiful show on the final version of the match, as this 12 months’s World Championship begins on December 15.
Littler’s decimation got here simply hours after he pulled off a miraculous comeback to beat two-time world champion Gary Anderson within the semi-final.
Anderson gained a staggering seven legs in a row and seemed like he can be within the driver’s seat to safe a spot within the Grand Slam ultimate in opposition to Lukeman.
The Scot was as many as three legs away from victory at 13-9, however Littler roared again and ultimately gained 16-15.