Rising star Luke Littler continued his rise to darts dominance as he emerged victorious over Ryan Searle in the Players Darts Championship Final yesterday.
The 17-year-old recorded an 8-7 win in a close-fought game to win the £15,000 grand prize.
This follows his earlier feat in the competition – a nine-darter in the opening leg of his third round match against Michelle Turetta, which he won 6-1.
Luke, from Runcorn, beat other seasoned professionals such as Luke Woodhouse, James Hurrell and Alan Soutar on his way to the final in Wigan.
Luke has set his sights even higher after his debut victory, as he looks to qualify for further international events.
He said: “Me and my manager know what I have to do to qualify for the Matchplay and the Grand Prix so, after the first event I’m not far off!”
“I want to try and qualify for everything… I know my game’s there, I know I can beat anyone.”
LUKE LITTLER WINS AT PC1! 🏆☢️
On his Players Championship debut, 17-year-old sensation Luke Littler, has WON THE TITLE! 🤯
With a 110 average and hitting seven 180s, he comes through a thriller of a final to defeat Ryan Searle in a deciding leg!
Generational talent 🌟 pic.twitter.com/Ehd6rfbtST
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) February 12, 2024
The teenager had held a 7-5 lead, but Searle played consecutive 11 and 12 dart holds to bring the game to a tiebreak. Luke held his nerve, making a 13 dart break to win the game.
After such a frantic finish, Luke said: “If I did lose that game, you would’ve looked at it when I was 7-5 up, but in the last leg you’ve just got to give it your all – I’m tired now, I just cant wait to get into bed!”
Featured image (c) Players’ Darts Championship
