Nine-darts hero Luke Littler made his World Series of Darts debut on Friday with an impressive victory over Michael van Gerwen at the Bahrain Darts Masters.
The World Youth Champion and World Championship finalist took to the world stage this week for PDC’s second visit to Bahrain and made history in memorable style.
Following Thursday’s first-round win over Man Lokryong, Littler got off to a great start into Friday’s final stage with a nine-darter in the opening leg of his quarterfinal against Nathan Aspinall.
The 16-year-old won that match 6-3 with an average of 104.50 points, and posted an impressive 170 checkout in his 7-3 win over Gerwyn Price in the semi-finals.
Luke Littler hits a nine darter! 🚨
More history from the 16-year-old sensation! 🌟 pic.twitter.com/o23C5P6AqL
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) January 19, 2024
He then put in another great performance in the final, defeating world No. 2 Michael van Gerwen 8-5, to the delight of the crowd inside the Bahrain International Circuit Dome.
After the first six legs of the final ended in toss, Littler hit 11 darters on the toss break to move up 5-3, but when Van Gerwen equalized he hit back with 12 darters.
But Littler hit double tens in the next two legs, then a throw break that brought him to the brink of victory before clinching the victory with a double top.
“I’m really happy that we won.” said Littler, who turns 17 on Sunday. “I played well last night and I played well tonight. I proved I can win.
“I hadn’t picked up a dart since the World Championship final so I wasn’t expecting anything, but I won all my matches, hit nine darters against Nathan and hit the line against a very good Michael van Gerwen. I’ve surpassed it.”
“He’s still one of the best players, if not the best, but I’m very happy to win on his debut.
“This week has been unbelievable. The Asian qualifying was also great, but I’m really happy to have won.”
Van Gerwen was ultimately denied the 21st World Series of Darts title, although he had produced some impressive darts himself en route to the finals.
The Dutchman was outstanding in the first round on Thursday, whitewashing Bahrain’s Hasan Haji, and continued his strong comeback on the second day.
He beat Rob Cross 6-4 in the quarter-finals, hitting six doubles in seven attempts and averaging 106 points, ending Michael Smith’s reign as champion in a thrilling semi-final. hit.
There was little separation between the two, and the match progressed to the decider, where Van Gerwen took it with a 110 checkout, but Littler was denied the title.
“It was a great tournament. Of course it’s disappointing, but that’s how sports are. Sometimes you win and sometimes you lose.” Van Gerwen said.
“It’s never a good week when Michael doesn’t win, it’s simple. He had a great tournament as well. Everyone says he’s a rookie, but everyone knows what he’s capable of.”
“I wasn’t able to do what I was doing in the early games.” [in the final]. All you can do is punish yourself for it. We must definitely improve for the next match. ”
Price and Smith were denied in the semi-finals, and new world champion Luke Humphries’ loss in the quarter-finals ended his winning streak at 20.
Humphries, who had won the Grand Slam of Darts, the Players Championship Final and the World Darts Championship during his run, lost 6-4 to Price.
“I’m never satisfied with losing, but it will come and you can’t be perfect all the time.” Humphries said.
“It’s really disappointing because I didn’t play at my best there and we had a lot of chances to win the game.
“Gaethje took advantage of my mistakes and fair play and gave it to him. My goals weren’t the best, but this game is a matter of millimeters and you have to take advantage of those chances to win.”
“I don’t get too down because I have a lot to look forward to this year. I think the last time I lost was October 29th, so it was a great run for me so I had to finish it. “one day. “
Following the success of PDC’s second visit to Bahrain, the World Series of Darts heads to the Netherlands for the TOTO Netherlands Darts Masters, to be held in Den Bosch on January 26th and 27th.
2024 Bahrain Darts Masters
Friday, January 19th
Quarter finals
Gerwyn Price 6-4 Luke Humphries
Michael Smith 6-1 Peter Wright
Luke Littler 6-3 Nathan Aspinall – Luke Littler hits a 9-dart finish.
Michael van Gerwen 6-4 Rob Cross
Semi-final
Luke Littler 7-3 Gerwyn Price
Michael van Gerwen 7-6 Michael Smith
Last
Luke Littler 8-5 Michael van Gerwen