Luke Littler has revealed precisely what was stated by Michael Van Gerwen instantly beating him within the World Championship remaining.
‘The Nuke’ made historical past by changing into the game’s youngest ever world champion aged 17, as he dismantled darts legend Van Gerwen in sensational trend in a 7-3 demolition at Alexandra Palace.
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Feelings overcame the teenage prodigy on the finish of the match as he wiped away tears with the scale of history-defining achievement sunk in.
His rival on the evening, Van Gerwen, was actually gracious in defeat and the pair embraced simply moments after the ultimate double 16 crashed into the board.
Van Gerwen and Littler had a short chat on stage throughout the second earlier than he went over to lastly get his palms on the Sid Waddell trophy.
And in an unique sit down with talkSPORT after the match, he revealed that ‘The Inexperienced Machine’ urged him to let his feelings out on stage.
“Yeah, he stated simply take pleasure in it,” Littler stated moments after the win.
“However then he went over barely to the aspect, and he stated ‘hold crying boy, hold crying’.
“He is like 30-odd years outdated and I am 17, however to interrupt his file is loopy.
“If I did not do it tonight I may have nonetheless accomplished it, however to do it how I did was unbelievable.”
On his efficiency he added: “Yeah it was all the time behind cowl photographs and the 140s.
“Early on in set one he missed doubles and I pounced on it.
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“That is the very best time of the 12 months, the World Championship and among the finest phases I’ve stepped on to.
“I received £200,000 final 12 months and now I’ve added a £300,000 to it, it is truthfully exceptional.
“I do not know what I will do with it, I have never acquired a clue.”
Littler has now risen to second on this planet on the PDC Order of Benefit together with his big winnings seeing him construct a snug cushion.
He’ll hope to catch ‘Cool Hand’ Luke Humphries subsequent 12 months, with a busy 2025 set to unfold.
‘The Nuke’ will doubtless be favorite to defend the title once more subsequent season, however his debut 12 months within the sport is now full and his achievements defy logic.
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He received 11 senior titles in complete after his newest win, and has despatched each his personal profile and the game’s into a brand new stratosphere.
On the schedule changing into busier within the new 12 months, he continued: “Yeah it is undoubtedly going to get busy.
“I can not wait to go residence and sit back to begin with.”
Littler now has the world at his toes and a file that’s extremely unlikely to be damaged.
His meteoric rise has been full and he’ll doubtless be the person to beat on the PDC tour subsequent 12 months.
Victory has cemented his standing within the Premier League the place he’ll look to defend his title.
He may even seem on the World Sequence as an actual chief within the prime 5 of the rankings, with hopes of extra data and titles to come back after his debut annum.