Luke Littler sends another reminder after Gerwyn Price makes 'absolutely pathetic' complaint

Teenage darts sensation Luke Littler produced a stunning display to win the opening Players Championship event on his debut in the competition.

After hitting a nine-dart finish in one of the earlier rounds, 17-year-old Littler dug deep to beat fellow Englishman Ryan Searle in a thrilling final. Littler took it 8-7, capturing the £15,000 winner's purse and a first ranking title after continuing his rich vein of form with another reminder to his older rivals.

He averaged 110 and notched seven 180s. Warrington's Littler became a household name during a shock run to the final of the World Championship at the turn of the year which earned him £200,000.

'The Nuke' then went on to beat Michael van Gerwen to win the Bahrain Masters in January, becoming the youngest player to hit a televised nine-darter in his quarter-final victory over Nathan Aspinall. Littler's strong form continued as he was beaten by home favourite Van Gerwen in the final of the Dutch Masters the following week.

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His nine-dart finish at Monday's event in Wigan came as he wrapped up a 6-1 win against Michele Turetta, then he accounted for quarter-final opponent James Hurrell 6-3 before edging out Alan Soutar 7-6. "I know my game is there, I know I can beat anyone, and I'm really happy to have won," Littler said.

"Me and my manager know what I have to do to qualify for the World Matchplay and the World Grand Prix. I want to try and qualify for everything, and I've just got to play my game. I'm taking it in my stride. It takes huge pressure off me, and now hopefully I can settle and enjoy it."

Former world champion