Luke Littler comments on Michael van Gerwen speak volumes after £80,000 win

Luke Littler further cemented his status as one of darts' top talents by clinching the World Series of Darts Finals title in the Netherlands. The 17-year-old star was the tournament's top seed following victories in Bahrain and Poland, and he kept his winning momentum in Amsterdam, where he triumphed over Michael Smith on Sunday with an impressive average of 102.21.

His road to victory also included wins against heavyweights like Michael van Gerwen (11-4), Raymond van Barneveld, Chris Dobey (10-7), and Peter Wright, earning him the hefty £80,000 winner's cheque. "I'm just happy to be stood here with the trophy at the end of a long day," he shared post-victory.

Littler expressed confidence and satisfaction with his performance: "I felt relaxed tonight and I played really well across the whole weekend. This time last year I was playing on the Development Tour. My name was getting mentioned but at the World Championship everyone knew who I was."

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"I'm going to keep building on this and winning more. It's a busy schedule coming up and I'm ready for it."

Asked if he is currently the best darts player on the planet, Littler said: "Probably over this weekend.. To average 103 over four or five matches, it has been really good and I'm proud of myself."

Following his European success, Littler revealed a shift in perspective towards former idols Michael van Gerwen and Raymond van Barneveld. The Chester native previously revered both players.

However, now competing at their level, his view has changed - perfectly showing Littler's determination to stay at the very top of the game. "I wouldn't say I look up to them as I'm playing with them now," he commented. "I used to look up to them and now I'm beating them."