World Series Order of Merit: Luke Littler retains lead position, Gerwyn Price rises to second spot after handsome title in Wollongong

Luke Littler retained his lead position on the World Series Order of Merit after the Australian Darts Masters. His final spot in Wollongong was enough to hold the first spot for at least one more week.

The 17-year-old teenage sensation made it to the final of the World Series tournament in Australia after wins over Rob Modra (6-2), Michael Smith (6-4) and Dimitri van den Bergh (7-6). Against Smith and Van den Bergh, 'The Nuke' even threw an average above 104.

However, the overall victory at the Australian Darts Masters proved out of reach for Littler. That went to Gerwyn Price, who had qualified for the final by beating Brenton Lloyd (6-2), Damon Heta (6-4) and Peter Wright (7-6). In the final against Littler, 'The Iceman' quickly gained a comfortable lead by winning the first five legs. After Littler got on the scoreboard in the sixth leg, Price picked up two more legs to push his opponent aside 8-1.

This title earned Price 12 points on the World Series Order of Merit, passing Rob Cross and now in second place with 42 points. Losing finalist Littler is on top with 45 points. Cross collected three points and is now third with 35 points.

Michael van Gerwen is still recovering from major dental surgery and is therefore missing the two World Series tournaments in 'Down Under'. He will therefore remain stuck on 28 points in the World Series rankings. With that, Van Gerwen still has six points more than reigning world champion Luke Humphries, while Michael Smith (20 points), Peter Wright (16 points), Nathan Aspinall (11 points) and Dimitri van den Bergh (nine points) are still behind him.

Winning a World Series tournament earns 12 points toward the World Series Order of Merit. The losing finalist receives eight points and semifinalists five points. Reaching the quarterfinals is valued with three points, and players who lose their first game still receive one point.

The top eight players on the World Series Order of Merit are guaranteed participation in the World Series Finals in Amsterdam at the end of the season. Next week, the last regular World Series tournament of the season will be played in New Zealand.