Luke Littler is one game away from winning the Grand Slam of Darts.
Littler, 17, faced Gary Anderson – who has been in flying form in Wolverhampton – in the semi-finals on Sunday. The Nuke, however, was coming off an incredible clash with Jermaine Wattimena, where he produced a 16-2 win over the Dutchman.
There were shades of his Last 16 clash with Mike De Decker – as Littler was pushed all the way by the Flying Scotsman, winning 16-15. Anderson, himself, will have to wait one more year for a shot at Grand Slam glory – with the 2024 edition being the 17th time he’s played at the tournament.
The teenage sensation was heavily fancied to overcome the veteran and it appeared to be going his way initially, leading 7-4 after the first leg of the third mini-session.
However, the Flying Scotsman found another gear putting Littler on the ropes with his up his tournament-best 167 checkout along the way – dominating the fourth session and storming into a 12-8 lead.
(Image: Sky Sports)
Anderson just had to hold throw, as Littler started to stutter, failing to find his trebles. However, Littler rallied – firing level at 14-14.
It was showmanship darts from the pair, with Anderson even pulling out three bulls to leave him on 15, but he wouldn’t get the chance to take it out as Littler put a stop to the fun.
Littler would have the last laugh in the decider, with the darts he pulled out a 14-darter by pinning double 12 and set up a showdown with Martin Lukeman, who beat Micky Mansell 16-12, in the final on Sunday night.
(Image: Sky Sports)
“Luke Littler. You are beyond incredible,” one fan gushed on social media.
“What a game of darts that was take a bow Luke Littler,” a second said. While a third posted: “Luke Littler is basically unstoppable in long format games, the short formats to 5/6 legs he’s beatable but any kind of distance then it’s already over…”
“What a comeback. Shame for Anderson but Luke Littler is box office,” a fourth said. And another added: “Absolute Grand Slam classic, two absolute champions, some nerves from Littler, what a sport btw!”