LITTLER CONTINUES DOMINANCE WITH UK OPEN TITLE DEFENCE

LUKE LITTLER believes he is back to his BEST after winning back-to-back UK Open titles.

The Warrington whizkid produced a commanding display to beat James Wade 11-7 in the final. 

World No.1 Littler became just the FOURTH player to successfully retain the title, joining Raymond van Barneveld, Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen. 

‘The Nuke’ secured his 12th major trophy to move into third place on the all-time list of winners.

The teen sensation picked up the £120,000 top prize and his FIFTH consecutive Premier event crown. 

He said: “It feels amazing. I don’t think it’s been the best of tournaments for myself average-wise, but I’ve dug deep throughout and come out with the win.

“James he’s always behind you. I said to him at the end of the game if he hit those double tops it would have been a completely different game. 

“Me and James, we always have a good battle. I said to him, back-to-back — you can get me next year. 

“I wasn’t happy with myself in the early rounds but as a player you have to dig deep. Even against Josh [Rock], Danny [Noppert] and Kevin [Doets], which was the biggest test of all.

“I don’t think many people expected me to come here and win. I don’t think many people expected me to win the Premier League last week. 

“But I think I can sort of say I am back to my best. I had a dry spell but I am back.” 

Wade admitted he was left frustrated after falling short but was full of praise for Littler’s performance. 

He added: “He was just too good for me there in the end. I was a little bit gassed out and older than he is. 

“I just couldn’t quite find it but hats off to him. He is doing what he does. He does it quite easily as well. 

“I missed a couple of shots and doubles. No one likes losing. Perhaps it doesn’t always get reflected how I am doing and what I am doing. 

“I think for the last 18 months I have done alright. Luke is flying the flag for the PDC. He is the best player in the world at the moment. 

“Unfortunately, I have lost to him in three finals. I hate losing more than anyone.” 

Littler averaged 100.36 as he came from 9-7 down to defeat Josh Rock 11-9 in the semi-finals. 

He also produced a brilliant 161 checkout and averaged 104.47 to dispatch Danny Noppert 10-6 in the quarter-finals.

Image by Taylor Lanning.