Luke Littler overpowers Michael Van Gerwen to win inaugural Saudi Arabia Darts Masters

Just a day before his 19^th birthday Luke Littler put in an excellent 104 average to triumph in Saudi Arabia at the second of this week’s World Series of Darts events.

In a well contested final Michael Van Gerwen also averaged over a ton, fighting back from losing the first four legs. However, the Dutchman’s efforts weren’t enough to win his second title of the week as the Nuke’s power scoring proved too much, seeing out an 8-5 victory.

On an evening of impressive performances all round, fans got a glimpse of what the Premier League of darts may have in store next month with six of the eight players selected, in action.

Gerwyn Price has looked in good form over the last few days and his quarter-final battle with Luke Humphries was one of the highlights of the event as the Iceman squandered a three-leg cushion to trail 5-4 before breaking the Humphries throw to recover and win the last leg decider.

Van Gerwen, who has perhaps been the most consistent over the week, backed up his title winning performances from Bahrain, with a 6-4 win over an out of sorts Bunting followed by a 7-5 win against a resurgent Nathan Aspinall. 

Not too be overshadowed by the Premier League stars, Man Lok Leung, the only Asian representative to register a win over the two tournaments, continued to compete well, losing narrowly to Nathan Aspinall 6-4 despite a near 98 average and two 180’s.

But it was Littler who once again stole the headlines. His quarter final against Gian van Veen, a repeat of the World Championship Final matchup, once again delivered fireworks as the Nuke put in a 111 average which included five 180’s and a 66-checkout percentage on the doubles.

He then overcame a ton topping average from Gerwyn Price to win his semi-final 7-5 before defeating Van Gerwen 8-5 in the final.

This is the Nukes fifth World Series Title, not including his 2024 World Series of Darts Finals victory. With his form showing no clear signs of dipping the soon to be 19-year-old is looking in good shape for when the Premier League starts in a couple of weeks.