January 3rd 2025.
The highly-anticipated World Darts Championship final is finally here, and it promises to be an epic showdown between two of the sport's biggest stars. Michael van Gerwen, 35, and Luke Littler, 17, will face off in what is sure to be a thrilling match tonight.
The rivalry between these two players has been building for some time now, and it's no surprise that they have both made it to the final. They have been the standout performers throughout the tournament, and their semi-final wins were a testament to their exceptional skills. It's no wonder that this match has all the makings of a potential classic.
But there's more at stake than just the Sid Waddell Trophy and a £500,000 prize. For van Gerwen, who didn't win a televised title last year for the first time since 2011, a fourth world championship title would be a timely reminder of his enduring talent. On the other hand, a win for Littler would make him the youngest ever world champion, breaking van Gerwen's record when he won at Ally Pally at the age of 24.
As we eagerly await this epic clash, let's take a look back at their rivalry over the past year. It all began in Bahrain, where Littler made his World Series debut after his incredible run to the World Championship final last year. He went on to win the tournament, defeating van Gerwen in a thrilling match that marked the beginning of their competitive relationship.
Since then, they have faced each other a total of ten times, with their head-to-head record currently tied at 6-6. While van Gerwen has had the upper hand in some of their previous encounters, Littler has also had his fair share of victories, including winning the overall title at the Premier League in May. Their most recent match was in October this year, where Littler emerged victorious with a convincing 6-1 win on the European Tour.
Despite their occasional jibes at each other, both players have also expressed respect for the other's talent. Van Gerwen has praised Littler for his achievements at such a young age, and Littler, who was only six when van Gerwen won his first world title, has grown to admire the Dutchman's skills. However, come game time, they will both be focused on the ultimate goal – winning the world championship.
Apart from their on-stage rivalry, let's take a look at their personal lives. Littler comes from a close-knit family and is often supported by his parents at events. He also has a sister and a brother. His father, who works as a taxi driver, and his mother, who works in a shop, have always been his biggest supporters. Littler's early coach, Karl Holden, has even compared him to the "Cristiano Ronaldo of darts."
At last year's World Championship, Littler's then-girlfriend, Eloise Milburn, was in the audience to cheer him on, but they have since ended their relationship. Littler's growing popularity has also attracted numerous sponsorship deals, and he has already partnered with major companies like Xbox, boohooMAN, and KP Nuts. With his newfound success, he has also moved into a luxurious five-bedroom mansion with his parents in Warrington.
Despite their mutual respect, Littler doesn't expect any friendly gestures from van Gerwen during their match. When asked if there will be any fist pumps between them on stage, Littler laughed and replied, "Noooooo... There will be no fist bumps after sets, I'm pretty sure. Of course, it's the final and we both have to stay focused." Let's see how this rivalry plays out in what is sure to be an unforgettable final.
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