Luke Littler’s bid to win a second consecutive World Series title was crushed by Michael van Gerwen in the final of the Dutch Darts Masters in Den Bosch.
Littler lost 8-6 to the three-time world champion, who lost to the 17-year-old in the final in Bahrain last weekend. Nothing separated the pair after the first 12 legs, but Littler missed two darts at double eight, beating Van Gerwen’s throw and putting one foot away from the other title.
This will mean a lot to him 🇳🇱💚
Michael van Gerwen lifts his 21st World Series title, the Toon Grieve Trophy, becoming the 2024 TOTO Netherlands Darts Masters Champion! 👏 pic.twitter.com/GL0q3WpMHu
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) January 27, 2024
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This will mean a lot to him 🇳🇱💚
Michael van Gerwen lifts his 21st World Series title, the Toon Grieve Trophy, becoming the 2024 TOTO Netherlands Darts Masters Champion! 👏 pic.twitter.com/GL0q3WpMHu
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) January 27, 2024
Instead, Van Gerwen narrowly closed the gap on one leg and needed just one chance to finish Littler with an 85 and end Littler’s winning streak.
Littler began his campaign on Saturday by seeking revenge on Luke Humphries, who rejected him in the world final at Alexandra Palace last month. Littler trailed with his 4-2 lead, but fought back to score his 88 checkout on the bull for a dramatic 6-5 victory.
The Warrington player then booked his return to the World Masters final with a 7-4 victory over Gerwyn Price, who had missed out on a nine-dart double 12 in his last eight win over Kevin Dowetts.
In contrast, van Gerwen looked below average in back-to-back wins against Raymond van Barneveld and Jan van Veen, but stepped up in key moments.
Van Gerwen told ITVX: Luke Littler has a bright future ahead of him, we all know that, but we still have to do the right thing with him. He has to keep fighting because his scoring ability is immeasurable. ”
