Luke Littler clinches second darts title in three days giving warning to rivals

Luke Littler has bagged his second darts title in just three days, adding the Players Championship 20 crown to his World Series of Darts Finals victory.

The youngster comfortably defeated Michael Smith 11-4 to secure his first World Series of Darts title in Amsterdam, pocketing £80,000 with an impressive average of 102.21 on Sunday evening.

On Tuesday, he followed the victory up by beating Stephen Bunting 8-7 in a nail-biting deciding leg for his ninth title of the year in Wigan.

Littler had quickly built up a 5-1 lead against Bunting, before the reigning Masters champion clawed his way back into the match, leading to a tense final frame with the scores locked at 7-7.

Earlier, the 17 year old had triumphed over world champion Luke Humphries 6-2 in the quarter-finals, having previously beaten Kevin Doets by the same scoreline in the last 16, reports the Express.

His winning streak continued with a 7-2 victory over Dave Chisnall in the semi-finals, before adding another £15,000 to his earnings with a win over Bunting for his third Players Championship title of the year.

Reflecting on his victory over Bunting, Littler said: "I had to switch on. Towards the end I was getting a bit tired but I was just saying to myself: 'One last push'. Stephen put everything he could on me but as soon as I settled for the 124 I knew I would stick my double 10."

"I think I played really well, I came here with loads of confidence, it's probably the first Pro Tour I have actually enjoyed playing apart from the first one (where) I won. But it's been good today and I can't wait for tomorrow."

When probed on his ability to change his stance depending on the floor at each venue, yet still triumph with ease, Littler confidently responded: "It's just what I do."

Defying a spirited comeback from the experienced Stephen Bunting, the young prodigy clinched glory in the event after surging ahead early, ultimately securing the win with nail-biting last action.

However, the teenager revealed plans to skip some future events due to the packed calendar, saying: "I'll just pick and choose," he then added that his manager will handle scheduling, with his own input regarding energy levels and interest.

Currently, Littler has put together up an impressive 12-match winning streak, enhancing his already considerable net worth which is thought to be close to £700,000. The Alexandra Palace runner-up prize netted him £200,000, and he pocketed an additional £275,000 for claiming the Premier League title.

With Pro Tour and World Series successes bolstering his career earnings during an extraordinary debut season, Littler's inevitable success has the potential to further his worth in the coming months.