The teenager plans to ‘cool’ at home before the World Darts finals

Luke Littler has said he will not change his routine ahead of facing Michael van Gerwen in a second consecutive PDC World Under-17s Darts Championship final on Friday (20:00 GMT).

Home favorite Littler, who lost last year’s trial against Luke Humphries, beat Stephen Bunting 6-1 in Thursday’s semi-final to equal the 35-year-old Van Gerwen’s previous victory over Chris Dobey.

“I played a lot better and won a lot of titles leading up to this but that’s what we do – we lead to the big one,” Littler told Sky Sports.

“We all know he’s chasing that world title, but I’m chasing my first one. (My plan is) to go home, relax and come back (on Friday).”

LUKE LITTLER PASSED TO THE FINAL OF THE WORLD DARTS CHAMPIONSHIP! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/B5prHiMbnq

— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) January 2, 2025

Littler ‘can’t wait’ to face Van Gerwen

Littler beat Van Gerwen 6-1 in the quarter-finals of the Czech Darts Open in October, winning despite the Dutchman averaging 112.19 in the match.

That was the highest ever turnover average on the European Tour, while Littler recorded 110.57. Van Gerwen had an average of 99.75 at the championship, and Littler 102.13.

“There are majors throughout the year, but I can’t wait for (the finals),” Littler said. “If we both turn up like we are (for the semi-finals), it will be very good.

“As soon as Luke Humphries came out (in the fourth round), that’s what everyone was looking at. I just had to focus on my quarter-final and semi-final and now I’ve done that I can focus on Michael.”

The final is confirmed! Michael van Gerwen will face Luke Littler tomorrow night, live on Sky Sports 🍿🎯 pic.twitter.com/cKKJI80Sa7

— Sky Sports (@SkySports) January 2, 2025

World Darts ‘Unbelievable’ – Littler

Littler seems to be peaking at perfect timing, with his final average against Bunting of 105.48 his highest Championship score to date.

Van Gerwen ended a six-year wait to go all the way in the tournament, including a 158 checkout during the sixth set against Dobey.

“It’s been an amazing tournament so far,” Littler said. “People will say I was looking at the title the whole time, but I was looking at the first game against Ryan Meikle.

“Since then, I just conquer what is in front of me. I’m so glad to win.”