Online Reporter
LUKE LITTLER kept the dream alive of a unique CLEAN SWEEP of every major title by defending his World Matchplay crown.
The world No1 delivered one of the greatest-ever TV performances to beat Gerwyn Price 18-9 in the final at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool on Sunday night.
Littler, 19, is now on course for a remarkable record of holding every major title in a calendar year having already won the World Championship, Masters, UK Open, Premier League and World Cup. The Nuke also created history with a Matchplay tournament average of 111.04, breaking his hero Phil Taylor’s previous record of 106.31 from 2010. It was also the highest average of 111.50 in a final in Blackpool. Littler picked up the £225,000 first prize having already become the first player in history to overtake £3MILLION on his world ranking. He said: “It’s been a crazy week, one of the best weeks of my life. The darts I’ve played. It’s not been easy.
“Niko Springer on debut, then Nathan Aspinall and Josh Rock, Dirk and now Gez [Price]. The stats make it look like it’s easy but when you are on this stage and how hot it is, it’s not easy.
“Definitely playing some of the best darts of my life. Two years ago, the first round defeat to Michael wasn’t the best result. The last two times we’ve been here and we’ve done it again.
“Going into the tournament I’d won every major so far. I know there’s four (ProTours) in Leicester I have to go. If I don’t qualify I’m going to get grilled!”
It didn’t take long for The Nuke to get explosive. He delivered the first break of throw in the match with a stunning 167 kill on the bull. He then followed it up with 110 to lead 4-1 at the first break.
Littler then upped his level yet again. He hit six perfect darts to extend the lead and then a wonderful tops tops finish.
But Price picked up two vital legs to just stay in contention. However, the Warrington kid was simply unplayable. That was followed by incredible 128 and 127 finishes to roar clear at 9-3 and then delivered his biggest celebration of the match.
After another bull finish, Littler was averaging 114 and Price simply laughed at the back of the stage in disbelief with the teenager now 11-4 ahead. The Nuke kept up his relentless pursuit of the title. He won the next session once again and edged closer to glory by leading 14-6.
Then Littler broke the tournament record of 180s with his 65th but The Iceman, to his credit, kept battling. —Sun.
