Luke Littler won his first-ever major-ranking television title thanks to his demolition of qualifier Martin Lukeman in the Grand Slam of Darts final.
It sees Littler move up to fifth in the PDC Order of Merit ahead of next month’s World Championship at the Alexandra Palace.
The teenage sensation banked a whopping £150,000 for his Grand Slam triumph, taking his total earnings for 2024 just over the £1million mark.
Unsurprisingly, he became the youngest-ever winner of the Eric Bristow Trophy, doing so with the third-highest final average in the tournament’s history.
Despite losing the first two legs, it proved somewhat of a non-event given an irresistible Littler went on a tear to win the following 15 legs.
Lukeman eventually bucked the onslaught by winning his third and final leg of the contest, but by that point the damage was already done.
Littler wrapped the contest up with a nervy double 12 – the most fallible he’d looked all evening during what was an otherwise flawless performance.
Only eight of his three-dart visits were trebleless, with the 17-year-old averaging a stellar 107 across the 19-leg contest.
Reflecting on the latest achievement in what’s turning out to be a golden year for Littler, the teen told Sky Sports: “I’m so glad to win it. I’ve been playing well all week, it’s been a long week but it’s paid off. I’m so happy to win this.
“I’ve always got to have my scoring power with me. No matter who I play, it’s got to be there, I can’t afford to drop off it in any legs. I had a slow start but I kicked on from there.
Lukeman proved a good sport throughout the final though and while he was a class below the rampaging Littler, the Englishman fought to the very end.
Reacting to the defeat, Lukeman said: “He’s [Littler] just different gravy. It’s why I was hoping in the other rounds he’d get knocked out. [Gary] Anderson, I thought at least I’d have a chance.
“He’s done great for the PDC, the sport, the fans, sponsorship. The best thing was putting him in the Premier League this year – best thing they could have done. As long as he goes out early [I can win a major]. I wish him the best and his family.”
Littler’s latest win is an ominous sign for anyone hoping to compete for the World Championship title at the end of the year.
Having struggled for form in recent months, Littler looks back to his scintillating best and is now the provisional favourite for the Worlds, leapfrogging reigning champion Luke Humphries.
Littler and Co. will return to action next weekend when the top 64 players in the world descend on Minehead for the Players Championship final.
