Record-breaking darts sensation Luke Littler has landed a massive payday after winning the first senior title of his short career.
After losing to Luke Humphries in the World Darts Championship final earlier this month, the 16-year-old bounced back in a big way to beat Michael Van Gerwen, claiming his first senior PDC title at the Bahrain Masters last night (19 January).
Littler took a 4-3 lead into the break after edging in front with the first break on his return.
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But the Dutchman took out 85 with outer bull and two double tops to reduce the deficit in the next before levelling at 5-5.
As both players struggled to land doubles, it was the youngster who held his nerve, leaving himself 170 in the 13th leg - eventually checking out with single 18 and double top to win 8-5.
"You tell me. I don’t know. I’m happy to win," he told ITV4 after the victory.
“Earlier on the quarters, obviously I hit the nine against Nathan, but I played well yesterday and I’ve played well again tonight.
“No one probably believes it, but I’ve not thrown a dart since the world final. "Yesterday, that was the first proper practice I’ve put in, but it’s all paid off.
“I’m just happy to win, obviously, against Michael. He’s still one of the best, he’s the very best and I’m just happy to win on my debut.”
A humble Van Gerwen also told everyone not to put too much pressure on the young lad.
He said: “Everyone says he’s the new kid, but everyone knows what he is capable of. The crowd, the television, everyone wants to make him bigger, but he’s already a good player.
“I know we all want to push him, but let him grow, let him do other things.
“You have to learn, the crowd has to learn and everyone who is involved in television has to learn.
“Don’t push him too much. Of course we know he’s a good player, but give him his time and after, he will come, no problems.”
Littler, who was guaranteed £1,250 just for appearing in Bahrain, turns 17 on Sunday and we're pretty sure he's going to have plenty of dosh to spend on his big day.
Nothing says an early birthday present like the total prize money for winning the Bahrain Masters, which is an eye-watering £20,000.
Not bad ey?
Topics: Sport, Luke Littler
Anish Vij