In a stunning display of skill and precision, 17-year-old Luke Littler emerged victorious at the PDC World Championship on Friday night. The young prodigy defeated Fazakerley-born Stephen Bunting in a decisive 6-1 victory during Thursday night's semi-final at Ally Pally. This impressive win set the stage for an exciting final showdown with renowned darts player Michael van Gerwen.
Littler's triumph over Bunting was not just another victory; it held significant implications beyond the dartboard. By defeating Bunting, Littler effectively shattered the 39-year-old's dreams of parading his potential trophy around Anfield ahead of Liverpool's Premier League match with Manchester United this weekend.
The relief that came with this win was palpable for Littler as he expressed his sentiments post-match. He stated that ending Bunting’s dream added an extra layer of satisfaction to his semi-final victory.
Luke Littler, English darts player, said:
"If they allow me to, then I'm sure I'll go to Old Trafford, yeah, I'm glad I beat Stephen [Bunting] yesterday because I'm pretty sure he was [planning] taking it to Anfield at the weekend."
Youngest-ever winner takes a jibe
However, the drama did not end there. After defeating Van Gerwen in Friday night’s final to become the youngest-ever winner of the PDC World Championship, Littler couldn't resist adding some playful banter into the mix.
In what can be seen as a cheeky dig at Liverpool and Bunting, he revealed plans to parade his newly won trophy at Old Trafford soon - home ground to Manchester United - instead of Anfield where Liverpool FC plays its home matches. This move is sure to add fuel to fire in terms of football rivalry between these two clubs while also highlighting how sports achievements can transcend their respective fields and playfully intersect with others like football.
Luke Litter’s journey from being a promising young talent to becoming the youngest-ever winner of the PDC World Championship is a testament to his skill, determination, and competitive spirit. His victory over seasoned players like Bunting and Van Gerwen has firmly established him as a force to be reckoned with in the world of darts. Moreover, his playful jibe at Liverpool post-victory adds an element of fun and rivalry that sports fans and sports betting fans alike can appreciate. As Littler plans to parade his trophy at Old Trafford soon, it will be interesting to see how this story unfolds further.