Teenager wants to “relax” at home before the World Darts final.
Luke Littler has said he will not be changing his routine before taking on Michael van Gerwen in the 17-year-old’s second PDC World Darts Championship final on Friday (20:00 GMT).
Home favorite Littler, who lost the top game to Luke Humphries last year, defeated Stephen Bunting 6-1 in the semi-final on Thursday, equaling the result of 35-year-old Van Gerwen’s previous victory over Chris Dobey.
“I played a lot better beforehand and won a lot of titles, but that’s what we do – we lead to the big title,” Littler told Sky Sports.
“We all know he’s going for the world title, but I’m going for my first one. (My plan is to) go home, relax and be back (on Friday).”
LUKE LITTLER HAS HEAD TO THE SECOND FINAL OF THE WORLD DART CHAMPIONSHIP! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/B5prHiMbnq
— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) January 2, 2025
Littler can’t wait to face Van Gerwen
Littler beat Van Gerwen 6-1 in the quarterfinals of the Czech Darts Open in October, winning despite the Dutchman averaging 112.19 in that match.
That was the highest losing average ever on the European Tour, while Littler scored 110.57. Van Gerwen had an average of 99.75 at the championship, Littler an average of 102.13.
“There are majors all year long, but I can’t wait for (the finals),” Littler said. “If we both compete like we did before (in the semifinals), it will be really good.
“As soon as Luke Humphries went out (in the fourth round), everyone was looking at it. I just had to focus on my quarter-final and my semi-final and now that I’ve done that I can focus on Michael.”
The final is confirmed! Michael van Gerwen meets Luke Littler tomorrow evening live on Sky Sports 🍿🎯 pic.twitter.com/cKKJI80Sa7
— Sky Sports (@SkySports) January 2, 2025
World Darts “amazing” – Littler
Littler appears to be peaking at the perfect time, with his final average against Bunting of 105.48 being his highest ever at the Championships.
Van Gerwen ended a six-year wait to reach the tournament, including a 158 checkout in the sixth set against Dobey.
“It’s been a fantastic tournament so far,” Littler said. “People will say I was looking at the title the whole time, but I was looking at the first game against Ryan Meikle.
“Since then I’ve just beaten what’s in front of me. I’m so happy to win.”
