On Finals Day at AFAS Live, Littler put on a dazzling performance as he secured his fourth TV crown in his rookie year as a professional. His astounding success began with a 10-7 victory over Chris Dobey in the quarter-finals, setting the stage for even more impressive feats.
In the semi-finals, Littler faced off against the five-time champion and local favorite, Michael van Gerwen. With an outstanding 11-4 win and a remarkable 107.95 average, Littler left Van Gerwen in awe, dominating the match and showcasing his exceptional talent. Van Gerwen was left without a chance to even throw for a double as Littler stormed to victory after trailing 4-2 initially.
The final match saw Littler maintain his exceptional form, delivering his third ton-plus average of the day against another former World Champion, Smith. With a final scoreline mirroring his semi-final win, Littler displayed utter dominance throughout the tournament, solidifying his reputation as a rising star in the darting world.
“I’m just happy to be stood here with the trophy at the end of a long day,” said Littler, reflecting on his incredible journey from the Development Tour to the pinnacle of success. “I felt relaxed tonight and I played really well across the whole weekend.”
“This time last year I was playing on the Development Tour; my name was getting mentioned but after the World Championship everyone knew who I was,” he continued, emphasizing his rapid rise to fame and success.
Looking ahead, Littler expressed his determination to continue his winning streak and thrive in the upcoming busy schedule. With a confident demeanor and a proven track record, he embraces the challenges that lie ahead, ready to conquer new heights in the world of darts.
The final showdown between Littler and Smith saw the former trailing briefly at 2-1 before showcasing his exceptional skills with consecutive checkouts of 140 and 130 to take the lead. Despite Smith’s efforts to even the score at 3-3, Littler’s unstoppable form resulted in a commanding streak of seven consecutive legs, bringing him to the brink of victory at 10-3.
