LITTLER WINS INAUGURAL SAUDI ARABIA MASTERS

LUKE LITTLER clinched the inaugural Saudi Arabia Masters in Riyadh after defeating Michael van Gerwen. 

‘The Nuke’ landed his FIFTH World Series title by seeing off MVG, who was appearing in back-to-back finals following his victory in Bahrain. 

World No1 Littler claimed an 8-5 victory over ‘Mighty Mike’ to receive the £30,000 top prize. 

Littler praised the atmosphere inside the Global Theatre and revealed he will head to Dubai for a luxury break to celebrate his victory and his 19th birthday. 

He said: “Obviously it didn’t work out last week in Bahrain, but I am really glad to come over to Saudi Arabia for the first time and be the first winner. 

“I am just really glad to win. I think us players coming over here, we didn’t know what to expect, but brilliant turnout last night and tonight, so thank you to you guys. 

“We are celebrating my birthday tomorrow. I am going to go over to Dubai with the family and my girlfriend and have three days off.”

No nine-darter was hit during the tournament, leaving the $100,000 (£75,000) prize unclaimed, along with an additional £75,000 bonus for hitting the bull after nine perfect darts. 

Littler also reflected on the pressure that lucrative incentive placed on players throughout the event. 

He added: “Obviously, it is on all the players’ minds. They know what is up for grabs, so if you get the first treble and miss it, you are gutted. 

“Hopefully we can come back next year and someone can hit a nine-darter.” 

Van Gerwen heaped praise on Littler and hailed the arrival of darts in Saudi Arabia as a huge boost for the sport. 

He said: “I think he played absolutely incredible. Of course, being 4-0 down at the beginning of the game didn’t really help me, but after that I was managing to find my own game and pace as well. 

“Fair play to him, I think he had a fantastic tournament, but I am still there — I never give up fighting. 

“I think for the first time here I can’t really complain. I was trying to keep pushing him as much as possible. 

“You know, when you play Luke in the final you have to perform your A-game, and anything else is not enough. 

“It is what it is. Sometimes you have to take losses on your own chin and move on. 

“I think it is positive for sports globally, and of course for the sport of darts it is massive. I hope to come back here next year and win the title.” 

Littler beat Gian van Veen 6-4 in a repeat of the World Championship final with a brilliant 111.58 average and going SEVEN darts into the perfect leg. 

The teen sensation then powered past Gerwyn Price 7–5 in a hard-fought semi-final.

Image by Taylor Lanning.