18-year-old Luke Littler impressively defended the darts throne he conquered last year. His words after the World Cup title sounded like a threat to the competition: “I’ll be here for a long time.”
When darts dominator Littler was asked about Phil Taylor’s record of 16 world titles at the press conference at Alexandra Palace, the old and new world champion joked: “I’d need another 15 or 16 years for that, I’d say.”
The splendid 7:1 over the hopeless Dutchman Gian van Veen was a symbol of Littler’s dominance, who was never really in danger at the first XXL World Cup with 128 professionals. “At the moment I can’t think of any player who can stop him in any way”German professional Max Hopp described the current situation in darts.
In the footsteps of Taylor, Lewis and Anderson
Consequently, the record prize money of one million pounds (around 1.15 million euros) and the Sid Waddell Trophy, which weighs a good 20 kilograms, go to Littler. The young star was only the fourth professional ever to be able to defend his title at the World Cup – veteran Gary Anderson from Scotland last achieved this ten years ago. Record champion Taylor and his English compatriot Adrian Lewis also achieved this.
“Nothing will ever beat a first world title – for anyone, in any sport, because it’s the first time you’ve done it. But this was about confirming that.”said Littler, who ended his first statement with the famous quote in England: “The first time was so nice. I had to do it twice.” Loosely translated: “The first time was so nice, I had to do it a second time.”)
Taylor and van Gerwen bow
Taylor and Michael van Gerwen, the biggest names in the scene, also sent warm words to the new dominator on the final day. “Huge congratulations to @LukeTheNuke180. Great job, you played brilliantly”wrote Taylor at X. Van Gerwen let Littler know publicly: “Respect for what you have already achieved. And for your admirable charisma at a young age.”
He leads the rankings with a lead of more than £1.5 million over his long-term rival Luke Humphries. The 18-year-old wouldn’t have to throw a single dart until October – and still couldn’t be pushed out in the rankings by Humphries and his other rivals. But there is no sign of a break for Littler. “I want to dominate everything. I want to win everything”Littler announced.
Biggest opponent: A wasp
For van Veen, who had played an outstanding tournament up to the final, his only role at times was as an extra. “I would have liked to give Luke a real duel, but I couldn’t do that today,” said the European champion from the Netherlands. In the darts scene there are currently the world leaders around Humphries, van Veen and van Gerwen – but two levels above everyone, Littler is all alone.
The young Englishman only lost four sets in his seven World Cup games. His two biggest opponents at the tournament in “Ally Pally” didn’t throw any arrows: In the final, a wasp buzzed around Littler and his body on stage for almost a minute. The 18-year-old seemed to have more respect for this for a short time than for van Veen or the enormous pressure in a final.
Reconciliation with the fans
Last year, the whistles and boos from the spectators bothered him in the 4-2 win in the round of 16 against former world champion Rob Cross. Angry, Littler barked at the fans with a red face, but there was a reconciliation on the final evening. “Incredible. Thank you again”said Littler.
His 7:1 over van Veen was the last game in the West Hall the Alexandra Palace. From the next World Cup onwards it will be bigger Great Hall played. There will then be room for around 5,000 spectators per session instead of the current 3,000.