Luke Littler wins World Championship as Sir Chris Hoy presents trophy to darts sensation

Luke Littler has won the World Championship after beating Michael van Gerwen 7-3 in the final at Alexandra Palace.

The 17-year-old booked his place in a second successive World Championship final at Alexandra Palace by beating Stephen Bunting in the last four to set up a blockbusting clash with Michael van Gerwen.

He then saw off the Dutchman on Friday to scoop the trophy, and become the youngest-ever world champion.

Victory consolidates his position as the top dog in the sport and avenges the final defeat he suffered to Luke Humphries on debut last year.

Littler was in tears after throwing the winning dart to claim what could go on to be the first of many world titles.

He was presented the trophy by six-time Olympic gold medallist Sir Chris Hoy after the cyclist announced in February he was undergoing treatment for prostate cancer.

Littler told Sky Sports: “I can’t believe it, honestly, I can’t believe it.

“We both played so well, and I said I needed to get off to a quick start tonight, and that’s what I did. But I knew Michael was behind me the whole game. Everyone dreams of lifting this trophy. I can’t believe it.

“That first game against Ryan Meikle, I keep saying it, but it’s the game that really mattered, and throughout I’ve just settled.

“At 2-0 up (in the final set) I started getting nervous but I said to myself to just relax. I was throwing for the match and to get it over and done with then was special.”

Sir Keir Starmer congratulated the teenager on his win.

The Prime Minister said in a statement: “Mesmerising performance from Luke Littler to win the World Darts Championship.

“Congratulations Luke on being the youngest ever PDC World Darts Champion. An inspirational performance under such pressure to lift the trophy.

“You should be really proud of what you’ve achieved tonight, not just for yourself but for the sport of darts as a whole.”