Luke Littler, moments after securing his first UK Open title, declared his immediate focus on winning his next tournament. The teenage sensation’s dominant 11-2 victory over James Wade in the Minehead final marked his fifth major PDC win.
Despite anticipation for a close contest, following Wade’s impressive semi-final win over Josh Rock and his earlier victory against Luke Humphries, Littler controlled the final from the outset. He won the first nine legs, and despite Wade briefly halting his momentum, Littler sealed the victory with a double six.
In his post-match interview, Littler appeared unfazed by his latest triumph, quickly shifting his attention to future success. “I had a job to do, and I just wanted to pick up the trophy,” he said. “And it’s one (major) I can tick off the list now. I’m looking at the Premier League now, making sure I’m top four so I can go to the O2. But for now it’s just about getting ready for Brighton (this Thursday), the pro tour in Antwerp, and back to the Premier League in Nottingham, so it’s going to be a long few weeks.”
Littler expressed relief at adding the UK Open to his growing list of major titles, which includes the World Championship, Premier League, Grand Slam, and World Series crowns. He also acknowledged the lively atmosphere during his semi-final and final matches. “It’s one I’ve wanted to win, it’s my third time here,” he said. “I came here two years ago as a 16-year-old, then it was quarter finals last year. As the tournament goes on, you want to get on this board. In the semi’s and the final the noisy lot come in.”
James Wade, meanwhile, commended Littler’s performance. He viewed his own tournament weekend as “a step in the right direction,” but admitted he couldn’t match Littler’s brilliance. “I’m the senior darts player, and he absolutely bashed me to bits,” Wade said. “But what can you do against that? At the moment, he is probably the best or the second-best darts player in the world, comfortably.”
