Darts teenager Luke Littler has become the youngest player in history to reach the World Cup final and is on the verge of a big surprise. The 16-year-old Englishman clearly won his semi-final against compatriot Rob Cross 6-2 on Tuesday evening and can hope for a coronation and the winner’s check of 500,000 pounds (just under 600,000 euros) on Wednesday (9 p.m./DAZN and Sport1). The opponent in the final is compatriot and top favorite Luke Humphries, who then impressively won his semi-final 6-0 against Scott Williams.
Just a little resistance
“I have no words. “It’s just crazy that I’m in the final of my first World Cup,” Littler told Sky broadcaster. In contrast to his previous confident victories, he had to accept real resistance for the first time at the tournament in London – at least a little.
By the quarterfinals he had only lost four sets in five games. “I don’t mean to sound disrespectful, but nothing has been difficult for me so far,” Littler replied when asked about the most difficult moment for him in the tournament so far.
Cross, who won the title in 2018 in the final against legend Phil Taylor, played well, but another comeback like in the quarter-finals (5:4 after 0:4 against Chris Dobey) was far away this time. Cross was already the second world champion after Raymond van Barneveld (Netherlands), who was defeated by the young Englishman at this tournament.
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For World Cup debutant Littler, another fantastic performance – including 16 shots with 180 points – opened additional doors at the world association Professional Darts Corporation. The youngster nicknamed “The Nuke” moves into the top 32 of the rankings. He is now also a candidate for the important Premier League, whose eight starters are to be announced this Thursday.
