"It's good to see him back, he's had a tough time": Luke Littler lauds praise on resurgent Michael van Gerwen in World Series of Darts Finals loss

Luke Littler was eager to defend a PDC major title for the first time in his early career this weekend. However, the young prodigy, who has thrilled darts fans worldwide this season, lost to an unleashed Michael van Gerwen at the World Series of Darts Finals in Amsterdam. The Dutchman, backed by the home crowd in the capital, simply proved impenetrable.

The current world champion showed during the tournament why he is considered the greatest darts talent of his generation. His path to the final stage was one full of character and resilience. Littler started strong with two solid wins: first, he sidelined the experienced Simon Whitlock 6-4, followed by the same score against Welshman Jonny Clayton. Both matches showed his efficiency on the doubles and his ability to stay cool in crucial moments.

The quarterfinal against Ross Smith, however, grew into a classic. Littler recorded an impressive average of 107 and produced no fewer than ten maximum scores of 180, winning a rock-hard battle 10-8. It was a match of exceptional level, because Smith also threw an average of 106. In the end, Littler drew the longest straw, again showing his class.

As if that did not offer enough spectacle, a true spectacle followed in the semifinals against Gerwyn Price. The two-time champion seemed on his way to a big win when he ran out to a 9-5 lead. Yet Littler refused to resign himself to defeat. With iron discipline and unprecedented scoring ability, he managed to erase the deficit point by point.

Price missed some crucial doubles in the closing stages, and Littler took advantage mercilessly. With a decisive leg in his favor, the teenager once again put the audience on the edge of their seats. A comeback from 9-5 to 10-9: it underscored his mental strength and his reputation as a prodigy.

Yet there was no getting through in the final. Michael van Gerwen, who had performed inconsistently in recent months and was even struggling with physical complaints, showed that he still belongs to the absolute world top. The three-time world champion played his best darts of the year and never let his young opponent get into the match.

Afterwards, Littler showed sportsmanship and praise for his opponent: “It was another good tournament for myself,” reflected Littler. "Michael was playing some of his best darts this weekend. It’s good to see him back. He’s had a tough time, but if he keeps playing like that, we’re going to have some great battles."

Although Littler failed to defend his title, he can look back on a successful tournament. The way he defeated players like Smith and Price reaffirmed his status as a crowd favorite and powerhouse. His ability to perform under pressure, especially given his age, remains unmatched.

For Van Gerwen, the title in Amsterdam means more than just a trophy. It is a statement to the competition: the Dutchman is back, and how. His constant scoring ability, combined with razor-sharp finishes, made him virtually unbeatable this weekend. For the fans at home, moreover, it was a triumph that renewed the bond between Van Gerwen and the Dutch public.