Lule Littler warned rivals he was already thinking about winning his next tournament just minutes after claiming his first-ever UK Open title. The teenage sensation obliterated James Wade 11-2 in the final in Minehead to secure his fifth major PDC win.
Fans anticipated an exciting clash after Wade hammered Josh Rock 10-2 in his semi-final match. That followed ‘The Machine’ beating world No.1 Luke Humphries 10-9 in a thrilling but ill-tempered contest.
Instead, the crowd in Minehead witnessed a procession as Littler took the first nine legs. Wade managed to stem the inevitable by holding throw twice but after missing match darts, ‘The Nuke’ finished off matters by taking out double six.
However, in his post-match interview, the reigning world champion appeared to take his latest triumph in his stride. Furthermore, he instantly switched his focus to more success.
“I had a job to do, and I just wanted to pick up the trophy,” he said, of his resounding final win. “And it’s one (major) I can tick off the list now.
“I’m looking at the Premier League now, making sure I’m top four so I can go to the O2. But for now it’s just about getting ready for Brighton (this Thursday), the pro tour in Antwerp, and back to the Premier League in Nottingham, so it’s going to be a long few weeks.”
Littler however, did admit that he was relieved to add the UK Open to his World Championship, Premier League, Grand Slam and World Series crowns. He also acknowledged the atmosphere in his final two matches, beating Jonny Clayton 11-6 before his meeting with Wade.
“It’s one I’ve wanted to win, it’s my third time here,” he said. “I came here two years ago as a 16-year-old, then it was quarter finals last year. As the tournament goes on, you want to get on this board. In the semi’s and the final the noisy lot come in.”
Wade meanwhile, praised the performance of his rival. He called his own tournament weekend “a step in the right direction,” but despite missing numerous chances at doubles, conceded he couldn’t match Littler’s play.
“I’m the senior darts player, and he absolutely bashed me to bits,” he said. “But what can you do against that? At the moment, he is probably the best or the second-best darts player in the world, comfortably.”
