The teenage sensation produced another standout performance in Minehead to claim his fifth consecutive major title. In doing so, he joined an elite group of players — Phil Taylor, Michael van Gerwen and Van Barneveld — as only the fourth player to retain the UK Open crown.
At just 19 years old, Littler collected the £120,000 winner’s prize after an impressive run through the tournament. However, the young star was forced to battle hard in earlier rounds to edge past Danny Noppert and Josh Rock.
Despite lifting the trophy, the double world champion admitted the final might have unfolded differently had Wade taken a key opportunity on the doubles. Littler even joked that his rival might get revenge next year.
“It feels amazing,” Littler said. “I don’t think it’s been my best tournament in terms of averages, but I’ve dug deep throughout and managed to come away with the win.
“That’s what James does — he’s always right there behind you. I told him after the match that if he’d hit those double tops, it could have been a completely different game.
“Me and James always have great battles. I joked with him, ‘back-to-back… you can get me next year.’
“I wasn’t too happy with myself in the early rounds, but as a player you have to dig deep. In the end, we’ve come out as champions.”
Wade, who still took home £60,000 as runner-up, admitted fatigue may have played a role in the result. The 42-year-old, however, was full of praise for Littler’s performance.
“He was just too good for me in the end,” Wade said. “I felt a little bit drained — and I’m a bit older than him. I just couldn’t quite find my best today, but hats off to him.
“He does what he does and makes it look easy. I missed a couple of chances and a few doubles, and nobody likes losing.
“Maybe it doesn’t always show how well I’ve been playing, but over the last 18 months I think I’ve done pretty well.
“Luke’s flying the flag for the Professional Darts Corporation right now — he’s the best player in the world. Unfortunately for me, I’ve now lost to him in three finals. And I hate losing more than anyone.”
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