Luke Littler secured his first Players Championship title by defeating Nathan Aspinall 11-8 in a thrilling final held in Minehead. The 18-year-old, ranked number one globally, showcased remarkable skill, adding this title to his recent Grand Slam of Darts victory in Wolverhampton.
Match Highlights
The match was a fierce contest. Aspinall made a significant comeback attempt, narrowing the gap to 9-8 after winning four out of five legs. However, Littler maintained composure, sealing the win with a checkout of 88. This victory marked Littler’s sixth televised title.
Littler’s Journey
- Final Score: 11-8
- Averages: Littler 103.33, Aspinall 93.64
- Maximum 180s: Aspinall (7), Littler (6)
In his post-match interview with ITV, Littler expressed pride in his achievement. “I am very proud to get this one ticked off the list – only two more to go now,” he stated. The young star is now only missing the European Championship and the World Masters from his trophy cabinet.
Previous Matches
Earlier in the tournament, Littler defeated Chris Dobey 10-5 in the last 16. He then triumphed over Gerwyn Price, the former world champion, with an 11-8 win to secure his place in the final. Meanwhile, Aspinall advanced to his seventh major final by overpowering Jermaine Wattimena 11-2.
Respect Between Competitors
Aspinall acknowledged Littler’s impressive performance, saying, “I don’t know how he has this energy. He is incredible, and what he has done for this game is amazing.” This statement reflects the mutual respect shared between the players.
As Littler looks ahead, he aims to continue his winning streak in upcoming competitions. He mentioned his goal to unleash more emotion in his gameplay, indicating a promising future in darts.
