Littler closes in on history to set up dream World final with Van Gerwen

Luke Littler is one win away from creating history as he booked his place in a second successive World Championship final.

The 17-year-old beat Stephen Bunting 6-1 in a masterful semi-final performance at Alexandra Palace, remaining on course to become the youngest world champion in the sport.

Standing in the way of his destiny is the current record holder Michael van Gerwen, who was 24 when he won his first title, after the Dutchman saw off Chris Dobey in his last-four match.

Friday night's final promises to be the hottest ticket in town as the two biggest names in the sport go head-to-head for the Sid Waddell Trophy.

Littler is chasing the crown he threatened to win on debut 12 months ago as a 16-year-old, eventually losing to Luke Humphries in the final, while the Dutchman is one win away from a fourth title.

Littler has been the favourite throughout the tournament and after a slow start he looks to be finding his best form at the right time.

The way he demolished the former BDO world champion Bunting showed exactly why he has taken the world of darts by storm as he averaged over 105, threw 13 180s and took out three ton-plus finishes, including a 'big fish' 170.

"It has been an amazing tournament so far," Littler said. "I have just beaten what's in front of me and I am glad to get through.

"I have won plenty of titles leading up to this, that is what we do, we lead up to the big one, I can't wait for tomorrow night.

"If we both turn up like we did tonight, it's going to be really good. We all know he is hunting another title, but I'm hunting for my first."

Littler is facing a man in Van Gerwen who has his sights firmly set on a return to the winners' circle, six years after he was last there.

The Dutchman, who last won at