CNN —Teenage phenomenon Luke Littler became the youngest ever darts world champion on Friday when he swept past three-time winner Michael van Gerwen 7-3 in the final.
Despite still being just 17, Littler entered this year’s PDC World Darts Championship as both the odds-on favorite and as a star who has transcended the sport after his unexpected run to the final last year.
He quickly built up a 4-0 lead and, though Van Gerwen came back to win three sets, the 35-year-old Dutchman, who was previously the youngest ever world champion aged 24, never really seemed able to challenge him.
Luke Littler has become darts' most famous player.
For his opponent Van Gerwen, however, Littler is a generational talent.
Persons:
Luke Littler, Michael van Gerwen, Littler, Palace serenaded, Van Gerwen, James Fearn, Van Gerwen’s, “, ”, you’ve, Keir Starmer, ” Luke Littler, Ben Stansall, I’ll
Organizations:
CNN, Van, Sky Sports
Locations:
Netherlands, AFP