Luke Littler hopes the experience he gained from last year’s World Darts Championship final defeat to Luke Humphries will prove beneficial when he faces Michael van Gerwen this evening.
Littler led the way to the title match 12 months ago after entering the tournament as an unknown 16-year-old.
Humphries proved too strong on that occasion, but Littler returns a year after continuing his meteoric rise with a season that saw him win the Premier League, the Grand Slam of Darts and the World Series of Darts, among others.
Additionally, he became one of the most recognizable faces in British sport and took his interest in darts to a new level.
“I’ve gained a lot of experience over the last year,” said Littler, who averaged 102 in his five matches at Alexandra Palace.
“Michael has been to many finals; This is only my second, but I know where I went wrong last year and I’m sure I’ll put it right.
“It would mean everything to win this title, but my only goal right now is to win seven sets tomorrow night.”
🗣️ “It would mean everything to lift this title! »
Luke Littler looks back on a sensational semi-final win over Stephen Bunting, as he eyes a blockbuster final against Michael van Gerwen tomorrow night…#WCDarts pic.twitter.com/VRkFqRXmvu
– PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) January 2, 2025
Littler advanced to the final by beating Stephen Bunting 6–1, showing a calmness and confidence that was often lacking in his previous matches.
“I felt very confident tonight. The best I felt was against Nathan [Aspinall] in the quarterfinals, but I’m just happy to play with such confidence,” Littler added.
“I hit the right shots when I need to. Stephen was right behind me the whole match, so I couldn’t afford to take my foot off the gas.
The mighty Mike should not be underestimated
This evening, the imposing figure of the great Dutchman Van Gerwen stands in his way.
The three-time world champion proved far too strong for Chris Dobey in their semi-final last night, winning 6-1 with minimal complications.
The 35-year-old has had a disappointing year by his own standards, but a win tonight would reinforce his belief that he can still compete with world number ones Humphries and Littler.
“I only made it to the final and the final doesn’t mean anything. I want to win and that’s the only thing that matters to me,” he said.
“For me, the whole thing has to be right, and the train continues to move in that direction, which is a good thing.
“My experience could be very important, but I haven’t won anything yet. We are still far away. »
🗣️ “The whole thing must be correct! »
Michael van Gerwen gives his reaction after eliminating Chris Dobey 6-1 to qualify for his seventh World Championship final!#WCDarts pic.twitter.com/5RsFKAb8ca
– PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) January 2, 2025
How to watch
The PDC World Championship is broadcast on Sky Sports in the UK.
You can watch the final on Sky Sports Darts and Main Event from 7:30 p.m. GMT.
Prediction
A year ago, it looked like Littler would cap his remarkable run to the final with a victory. However, this did not take into account that Humphries was, at the time, the better player.
Right now, Littler is stronger than Van Gerwen and if the match was in the local pub you’d be betting big money on the teenager.
However, it is the biggest day in the darts calendar, where all eyes will be on Alexandra Palace, with the majority tuning in to see if the prince can become king.
And this is how the match will be decided. Can Littler remain calm despite the enormous interest he generates? In many ways it’s a free kick for Van Gerwen and that makes him dangerous.
That said, it’s impossible to bet against Littler. He’s done everything with ease this year and, while mentally this remains the biggest hurdle to overcome, we believe he will do it and potentially start a monopoly on the biggest prize in the game.
