The World Darts final, which millions of fans have been waiting for, has begun, writes Urheilu’s Olli-Pekka Lukka.
Olli-Pekka Lukka sports reporter
Those who expected the final match to be a thrilling drama got to admire it Luke Littler from the screen. The first beer pitchers of the packed Alexandra Palace crowd didn’t really have time to empty before the 17-year-old Englishman already had a 4-0 lead.
Michael Van Gerwen disbelief often flashed on the face when Littler produced small miracles, punished for missed doubles and responded to the old champion’s jaw-dropping hundreds with 140 or a full 180.
The Dutchman’s subsequent three set wins were cosmetic, as Littler was never in danger of losing his lead.
Van Gerwen certainly didn’t throw badly, that’s what the average of three darts over the past 100 years shows. This time, it just wasn’t enough for anything, and it wasn’t helped by the weak double action at the beginning of the match.
Although the culmination of the World Cup tournament was a little disappointing in terms of competition, nothing can dim Littler’s brilliance.
Luke “The Nuke” is an exceptional individual, by all standards an incredible young man who deserves his reputation. The boy, who will only come of age at the end of this month, presents himself in bright lights and is not afraid of darts legends for nothing.
All this under the watchful eye of the island nation’s relentless press, under great pressure. After finishing second in last year’s final, winning the Premier League and winning the Grand Slam of Darts, nothing short of the championship would have been enough this time. And Littler withstood the pressure.
Success is manna for the union
The winner of the 2024 final Luke Humphries the words were foreboding as this stated that it was the last chance to claim the World Championship title before Littler begins to dominate international darts.
Littler’s success is also manna for the PDC association that dominates the sport. At the latest, Littler gives a face to the increasingly popular darts. It is certain that the young person will be squeezed out of the last juices in the marketing mind.
Littler’s movements will be followed even more closely in the media. His messages are eavesdropped and even his meals are monitored. The yellow press seeks distortion from a clean public image.
I hope Littler manages to keep his feet on the ground. The youngster is not an emotionless machine, although during the match you may read defiance on his face, sometimes even a little swearing.
After the victory was decided last night, the face spread into a boyish smile and the fierce darts hero turned into a slightly clumsy teenager as the flash lights flashed.