Teen darting sensation Luke Littler has become the youngest ever recipient of the PDC World Darts Championship.
The 17-year-old defeated legendary Dutchman Michael van Gerwen 7-3 in the final at Alexandra Palace.
Victory strengthens his status as the top darts player in the sport currently, while also seeking retribution for the loss he experienced against Luke Humphries during his debut campaign last year.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Littler, who was presented the Sid Waddell trophy by Sir Chris Hoy said: “I can’t believe it honestly. We both played so well. I needed to get off to a quick start tonight and that’s what I done.
"I knew Michael, he was behind me the whole game with them cover shots, he'd hit two trebles and I would have to come back with two or three. He was right behind me the whole way through.
"Everyone dreams of lifting this trophy but you've got to get through a tough field even before qualifying. I can't believe it!"
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UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer was one of the first notable figures to pay tribute to Littler's accomplishment.
“Mesmerising performance from Luke Littler to win the World Darts Championship," he said in a statement.
“Congratulations Luke on being the youngest ever PDC World Darts Champion. An inspirational performance under such pressure to lift the trophy.
“You should be really proud of what you’ve achieved tonight, not just for yourself but for the sport of darts as a whole.”
