Summary:
- Luke Littler found out about Manchester United’s FA Cup loss during his semi-final and used it as fuel to dominate his matches.
- The 19-year-old stormed past Jonny Clayton 11-6 before delivering a crushing 11-2 win over James Wade in the final.
- With his fifth televised title and 12th overall PDC championship, Littler carries on his rise in the darts world.
Luke Littler’s UK Open triumph had an unexpected source of motivation: the disappointment of Manchester United’s FA Cup elimination.
The teenage darts sensation learned of his favorite football team’s exit during his semi-final against Jonny Clayton and used the frustration to fuel his charge toward another major title in Minehead.
Fifth Televised Title, 12th Overall PDC Championship
Littler strengthened his position near the top of the PDC Order of Merit by clinching his fifth televised title and 12th overall PDC championship.
The 18-year-old delivered a masterclass in the final, overpowering three-time UK Open winner James Wade 11-2 in a dominant display.
While the Warrington-born was battling Clayton for a place in the final, Manchester United were simultaneously engaged in an FA Cup fifth-round clash against Fulham.
As the match reached a tense penalty shootout, Littler remained focused on his own contest. However, during a mid-match break, he learned of United’s 4-3 defeat.
The timing couldn’t have been more dramatic. Locked at 5-5 with Clayton, the teenager responded emphatically by winning six of the next seven legs to secure an 11-6 victory and book his place in the final.
In the second break I heard about the Manchester United loss and it spurred me on a bit. I won the next five and only needed one more leg and I got the job done. Before I walked on it went to penalties. At the first break, I didn’t think anything of it. But I did at the second break… and then the third session was unbelievable.
Littler carried his momentum into the final, storming to a 9-0 lead and never looking back, barely giving his opponent a chance.
“This Is a Tournament I Really Wanted to Win”
Littler’s nine 180s and a 101.51 average underlined his dominance, while the victory secured him the £110,000 top prize.
This is a tournament I really wanted to win. It’s my third time at the UK Open. I came here as a 16-year-old, made the quarter-finals last year, and now I’ve gone better this year to win it! I had a job to do tonight. I just wanted to pick up the trophy, and it’s one that I can tick off the list now!
Wade, aiming for a fourth UK Open crown, was left in awe.
I played well in the semi-finals, but in the final Luke just blew me away. I’m the senior dart player, but he absolutely smashed me to bits!
With Littler’s meteoric rise showing no signs of slowing, all eyes are on his Premier League campaign as he looks to add even more silverware to his growing collection.