Luke Littler says he will not change his routine before facing Michael van Gerwen in the second consecutive PDC World Darts Championship final on Friday (20:00 GMT).
Local favorite Littler, who lost last year’s showpiece match to Luke Humphries, beat Stephen Bunting 6-1 in the semi-final on Thursday to match the score in 35-year-old Van Gerwen’s previous victory over Chris Dobey.
“I’ve played a lot better and won a lot of titles before that, but that’s what we do – we’re heading towards the bigger one,” Littler told Sky Sports.
“We all know he’s going for that world title, but I’m looking for my first one. [My plan is to] go home, relax and come back [on Friday].”
LUKE LITTLER IS PERFECT FOR THE DOSED FINALS OF THE WORLD DARTS CHAMPIONSHIP! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/B5prHiMbnq
– Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) January 2, 2025
Littler ‘can’t wait’ to face Van Gerwen
Littler beat Van Gerwen 6-1 in the quarterfinals of the Czech Darts Open in October, winning despite the Dutchman averaging 112.19 in the match.
This is the highest losing average ever recorded on the European Tour, while Littler posted 110.57. Van Gerwen has a championship average of 99.75, with Littler 102.13.
“There are majors all year round but I can’t wait [the final]” said Littler. “If we both come out like we did [for the semi-finals]it’s going to be really good.
“As soon as Luke Humphries came out [in the fourth round]that’s what everyone was looking at. I just had to focus on my quarterfinals and semifinals, and now that I’ve done that, I can focus on Michael.
The final is confirmed! Michael van Gerwen faces Luke Littler tomorrow night, live on Sky Sports 🍿🎯 pic.twitter.com/cKKJI80Sa7
– Sky Sports (@SkySports) January 2, 2025
“Amazing” World Darts – Littler
Littler appears to be peaking at the perfect time, with his final average against Bunting of 105.48 his highest of the championship so far.
Van Gerwen ended a six-year wait to go all the way in the tournament, including a checkout of 158 in the sixth set against Dobey.
“It’s been an incredible tournament so far,” Littler said. “People will say I was watching the title the whole time, but I was watching the first match against Ryan Meikle.
“Since then, I’ve just been beating what’s in front of me. I’m so happy to win.
