VAN GERWEN & LITTLER FACE OFF IN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL
Luke Littler and Michael van Gerwen will go head-to-head in a mouth-watering Paddy Power World Darts Championship final on Friday, after producing imperious semi-final displays at Alexandra Palace.
Michael van Gerwen delivered a masterclass on Thursday evening, crushing Chris Dobey 6-1 to secure his spot in the Paddy Power World Darts Championship final. The Dutch maestro now stands one match away from claiming his fourth Sid Waddell Trophy.
The Dutch superstar averaged almost 99, landed eight 180s and produced a trio of ton-plus checkouts to cap off a dominant display and maintain his remarkable record at Alexandra Palace.
“I’ve only made it to the final so far—the job isn’t done,” Van Gerwen asserted. “Winning is the only thing that counts. My experience could be crucial, but we’re still far away. The train is moving in the right direction, though.”
Following a rip-roaring start from Van Gerwen, Dobey squandered three darts to level proceedings in a dramatic climax to set two, although he responded with a brilliant clean sweep in the third.
The Bedlington star landed a magical 170 checkout during this spell, but Van Gerwen was unflappable, winning 12 of the next 16 legs to book his place in Friday’s final.
“I did the right things at the right moments—whether it was scoring or finishing,” reflected the three-time World Champion. “That pressure helped me win today.”
"With the bookies and fans I might be the underdog. People who know me maybe see things a bit differently," he added.
A win in Friday’s final would mark Van Gerwen’s first World Championship title in six years, adding to his triumphs in 2013/14, 2016/17, and 2018/19. Only the legendary Phil Taylor has more World Championship crowns, a record Van Gerwen is keen to chase.
Standing between Van Gerwen and glory is 17-year-old sensation Luke Littler, who booked his place in a second consecutive World Championship final with a sensational 6-1 success against Stephen Bunting, averaging over 105 to maintain his quest for glory.
Littler stole Thursday's headlines with a magical display against Masters champion Bunting, as he moved a game away from darting immortality in the capital.
"I have gained loads of experience over the last year," claimed Littler, who boasts a tournament average of 102 across his five matches.
"Michael has been in numerous finals; this is only my second, but I know where I went wrong last year, and I'm sure I will fix it.
St Helens star Bunting opened his account with a battling rearguard in set five, although any hopes of a famous fightback were quashed when Littler landed a brilliant 84 on the bull to lead 5-1 in sets.
The Warrington wonderkid produced more magic in the closing stages, landing a majestic 170 checkout in the penultimate leg to wrap up another inspired display.
"I felt very confident tonight. The best I felt was against Nathan in the quarter-finals, but I'm just glad I'm playing with such belief," Littler continued.
Having succumbed to Luke Humphries in last year’s showpiece, Littler is bidding to create further history by becoming the sport’s youngest ever World Champion.
With two darting legends ready to clash, the stage is set for an epic final.
Will Van Gerwen add another chapter to his storied career, or will Littler shock the world and claim his place among the legends?
The Paddy Power World Darts Championship final begins tonight, Friday evening. Don’t miss the action as Van Gerwen and Littler battle for the sport’s ultimate prize
Semi-Finals Highlights:
Michael van Gerwen 6-1 Chris Dobey (3-1, 3-2, 0-3, 3-0, 3-1, 3-2, 3-1)
Luke Littler 6-1 Stephen Bunting (3-2, 3-1, 3-2, 3-1, 1-3, 3-2, 3-1)
Photos credited to PDC
