Luke Littler secured the first-ever Saudi Arabia Masters title on Tuesday evening, defeating Michael van Gerwen 8-5 at Riyadh’s Global Theater.
The triumph serves as an ideal early-birthday gift for the two-time world champion, who turns 19 on Wednesday.
Following his victory in the Saudi capital, Littler is set to continue his celebrations with a trip to Dubai.
The teenage sensation has once again demonstrated his remarkable form, adding another prestigious trophy to his rapidly growing collection just a day before reaching his 19th birthday.
Littler made a blistering start to the final, racing into a commanding 4-0 advantage that included an impressive 132 checkout finished on the bullseye.
The Dutchman refused to surrender, however, claiming three legs in succession spanning either side of the interval to narrow the deficit.
Yet the teenage prodigy regained control and powered through to seal the victory.
Throughout the contest, Littler landed six maximum 180s whilst maintaining an average of 104.84.
Luke Littler secured the first-ever Saudi Arabia Masters title on Tuesday evening
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REUTERS
He narrowly missed out on claiming the $100,000 bonus available for achieving a nine-dart finish, which would have offered a further chance to double that sum to $200,000 with a single bullseye throw.
Earlier in the tournament, Littler produced a stunning recovery against Gerwyn Price in the semi-finals, overturning a 4-2 deficit at the break to triumph 7-5.
The victory represented sweet revenge for the teenager, who had suffered his first defeat in 22 matches at the hands of Price during the Bahrain Masters.
In the quarter-finals, Littler had dispatched Gian van Veen, replicating his World Championship final success against the same opponent.
The triumph serves as an ideal early-birthday gift for the two-time world champion
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REUTERS
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Van Gerwen reached the showpiece match by eliminating both Stephen Bunting and Nathan Aspinall, but the most decorated player in World Series history was unable to claim an 18th title.
Littler told ITV4: “It didn’t work out last week in Bahrain, but I’m really glad to come over to Saudi Arabia for the first time and be the first winner.”
“Us players came over here and didn’t know what to expect. It was a brilliant turnout, so thank you to you guys.
“I will celebrate my birthday now. I will go to Dubai with my family and girlfriend and have three days off.”
Littler is set to continue his celebrations with a trip to Dubai
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REUTERS
Littler said: “Obviously it’s on everyone’s minds, all the players, they know what’s up for grabs.
“If you hit the first treble and then miss you are gutted, but hopefully we can come back here next year and someone will hit a nine-darter.”
Littler earned approximately £1.85million in ranking prize money last year, bolstered by several major championship victories.
His most significant achievement was winning his first world title at the World Darts Championship, which concluded on January 3, 2025.
