Luke Littler thrashes Michael van Gerwen to become World Darts Championship winner

Luke Littler triumphed over Michael van Gerwen at Ally Pally, beating the Dutchman to become the youngest ever winner of the PDC World Darts Championship.

After securing the initial two sets, the young prodigy was granted a reprieve by Van Gerwen in the third before widening his advantage, leaving no route to recovery for Van Gerwen. At just 17 years old, Littler has shattered the Dutchman's record for the youngest champion, which Van Gerwen set at the age of 24 back in 2014.

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Littler hit the ground running and quickly established a commanding 4-0 lead before Van Gerwen clawed back two of the next three sets to make it 5-2. The duo then traded sets once again before Littler ultimately emerged victorious with a 7-3 win, reports the Mirror.

"I can't believe it, we both played so well," Littler said in the aftermath.

"I've said in interviews that I needed to get off to a quick start tonight and that's what I did. But he was behind me the whole game, those cover shots - he'd hit two trebles and I'd have to come back with two or three.

"Everyone dreams of lifting this trophy. You've got to get through a tough field. I can't believe it. I keep saying it but that first game against Ryan Meikle [in round two] was the one that really mattered, and throughout I've just settled.

"At 2-0 up [in the final set] I started getting nervous but I said to myself to just relax. I was throwing for the match and to get it over and done with then was special."