LITTLER STORMS INTO WORLDS FINAL

LUKE LITTLER is one win away from becoming a back-to-back world champion.

‘The Nuke’ dispatched Ryan Searle 6-1 in the semi-final with a scintillating 105.35 average at Ally Pally to reach a THIRD consecutive final at the major tournament.

World No.1 Luke Littler is aiming to make history by becoming the first player since Gary Anderson in 2016 to successfully defend the Sid Waddell Trophy.

The Warrington ace also maintained his impeccable record of NEVER losing a semi-final in a PDC Premier event.

He said: “This is crazy. A few boos, a few cheers but it’s been a good crowd. Big shout out to Paddy Power for blurring the signs after what Ryan said because he’s partially blind in on set.

“I went 1-0 down and was not the happiest. I thought I didn’t play that well. Everyone knows I just want to go 1-0 up, get into that lead.

“I said to myself ‘you will find it’ and it went 1-1, 2-1, 3-1 and so on. Big shout out to Ryan. He’s done amazing this tournament. He can be proud.”

Littler came agonizingly close to a nine-darter in the final set, hitting seven perfect darts before narrowly missing out.

He added: “Horrible first dart! I should have gone T18, D15! One more game to get it. I think these guys want £60,000 more than me! I will try again tomorrow.”

Searle took an early lead, showcasing clinical finishing by converting three out of four doubles to go 1-0 up.

But the Devon thrower misfired in the second set with his average dipping to 86.00, giving Littler the chance to capitalise and level the match at 1-1.

Littler then elevated his performance, landing powerful scores to take control and exploiting Searle’s mistakes, including a shaky start to the fifth leg of set three with just a 13, to take a 2-1 lead.

The teen sensation wrapped up set four with a flawless 110 checkout, maintaining a 110 average to go 3-1 ahead.

Littler continued his dominance to rattle of back-to-back sets and gain a 5-1 advantage in the bout.

Littler fired off seven darts toward the perfect leg in set seven but narrowly missed his chance. Searle, seizing the opening, then delivered a brilliant 170 checkout to claim the first leg.

However, Littler held his nerve and sealed the match with a clinical finish on tops.

Image by Taylor Lanning.