Luke Littler is hoping the experience he gained from last year’s World Darts Championship final defeat to Luke Humphries will prove beneficial when he takes on Michael van Gerwen tonight.
Littler blazed a trail to the title match 12 months ago after starting the tournament as an unknown 16-year-old.
Humphries proved too strong on that occasion but Littler returns a year on having continued his meteoric rise to prominence with a season that saw him win the Premier League, the Grand Slam of Darts and the World Series of Darts among others.
Not only that, he has emerged as one of the most recognisable faces in British sport and taken interest in darts to a new level.
“I have gained loads of experience over the last year,” said Littler, who has averaged 102 across his five matches at Alexandra Palace.
“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.
“It would mean everything to lift this title, but my only focus right now is winning seven sets tomorrow night.”
🗣️ “It would mean everything to lift this title!”
Luke Littler reflects on a sensational semi-final victory over Stephen Bunting, as he looks ahead to a blockbuster final against Michael van Gerwen tomorrow night…#WCDarts pic.twitter.com/VRkFqRXmvu
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) January 2, 2025
Littler eased into the final with a 6-1 thrashing of Stephen Bunting, displaying a calm and confidence that was often missing in his earlier matches.
“I felt very confident tonight. The best I felt was against Nathan [Aspinall] in the quarter-finals, but I’m just glad I’m playing with such belief,” Littler added.
“I’m hitting the right shots when I need to. Stephen was right behind me throughout the game, so I couldn’t afford to step off the gas.”
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Mighty Mike not to be underestimated
Standing in his way tonight is the imposing figure of Dutch great Van Gerwen.
The three-time world champion was much too strong for Chris Dobey in their semi-final last night, winning 6-1 with minimal fuss.
The 35-year-old has had a disappointing year by his own lofty standards but a win tonight would reinforce his belief that he can still cut it with world number one Humphries and Littler.
“I have only got to the final and the final means nothing. I want to win and that’s the only thing that counts for me,” he said.
“For me the total package has to be right, and the train is still moving that way which is a good thing.
“My experience could be really important, but I haven’t won anything yet. We are still far away.”
🗣️ “The total package has to be right!”
Michael van Gerwen gives his reaction after dispatching Chris Dobey 6-1 to move through to his seventh World Championship final!#WCDarts pic.twitter.com/5RsFKAb8ca
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) January 2, 2025
How to watch
The PDC World Championship is being screened on Sky Sports in the UK.
You can watch the final on Sky Sports Darts and Main Event from 7.30pm GMT.
Prediction
A year ago it seemed fate that Littler would crown his remarkable run to the final with victory. That, however, failed to take into account the fact Humphries was, at the time, the better player.
Right now, Littler is stronger than Van Gerwen and if the game were to take place down the local pub you would put good money on the teenager.
However, this is the biggest day of the darts calendar when all eyes will be on Alexandra Palace with the majority tuning in with intrigue to see if the prince can become king.
And that is how the match will be decided. Can Littler remain poised despite the enormous interest he generates? In many ways it’s a free hit for Van Gerwen and that makes him dangerous.
That said, it’s impossible to bet against Littler. He has taken everything in his stride this year and, although mentally this remains this biggest hurdle to overcome, we believe he will do it and potentially start a monopoly of the game’s biggest prize.
