Luke Littler has said he will not change his routine before he faces Michael van Gerwen in the 17-year-old’s second successive PDC World Darts Championship final on Friday (8pm GMT).
Home favourite Littler, who lost last year’s showpiece against Luke Humphries, beat Stephen Bunting 6-1 in the semi-finals on Thursday to match the scoreline in 35-year-old Van Gerwen’s preceding victory over Chris Dobey.
“I’ve played a lot better and won plenty of titles leading up to this, but that’s what we do – we lead up to the big one,” Littler told Sky Sports.
“We all know he’s hunting for that world title but I’m hunting for my first. [My plan is to] go home, chill out and be back [on Friday].”
LUKE LITTLER IS THROUGH TO BACK-TO-BACK WORLD DARTS CHAMPIONSHIP FINALS! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/B5prHiMbnq
— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) January 2, 2025
📰 Table Of Contents
Littler ‘can’t wait’ to face Van Gerwen
Littler beat Van Gerwen 6-1 in the Czech Darts Open quarter-finals in October, winning despite the Dutchman averaging 112.19 in the match.
That was the highest ever losing average on the European Tour, while Littler posted 110.57. Van Gerwen has averaged 99.75 at the championship, with Littler on 102.13.
“There are majors all year round but I can’t wait for [the final],” said Littler. “If we both turn up like we did [for the semi-finals], it is going to be really good.
“As soon as Luke Humphries went out [in the fourth round], that’s what everyone was looking at. I just had to focus on my quarter-final and semi-final, and now I’ve done that I can focus on Michael.”
The final is confirmed! Michael van Gerwen will face Luke Littler tomorrow night, live on Sky Sports 🍿🎯 pic.twitter.com/cKKJI80Sa7
— Sky Sports (@SkySports) January 2, 2025
World Darts ‘amazing’ – Littler
Littler appears to be peaking at the perfect time, with his final average against Bunting of 105.48 his highest at the championship so far.
Van Gerwen ended a six-year wait to go all the way at the tournament, including a 158 checkout during the sixth set against Dobey.
“It’s been an amazing tournament so far,” said Littler. “People will say I was looking at the title throughout, but I was looking at the first game against Ryan Meikle.
“Ever since, I’ve just beaten what’s in front of me. I’m so glad to win.”
