Luke Littler advanced to the Grand Slam of Darts final after a nail-biting 16-15 win over the legendary Gary Anderson in Wolverhampton on Sunday afternoon. The gripping semi-final, filled with dramatic twists and high-quality play, showcased Littler’s rapid rise to the sport’s elite and set up a showdown with Martin Lukeman in the evening’s final.
Match Highlights
The 17-year-old Littler, nicknamed The Nuke, started nervously, losing the opening leg to the two-time world champion Anderson. However, he quickly found his rhythm, unleashing a barrage of 180s and building a 7-4 lead.
Anderson, chasing his first Grand Slam of Darts title, fought back with vintage precision, winning seven consecutive legs to stun Littler and the crowd. Despite this setback, Littler displayed remarkable composure, fighting his way back into the contest.
The match reached its climax in the deciding 31st leg. With the darts in hand, Littler capitalized on Anderson’s nervy scoring, sealing the victory with his 16th 180 of the match. Both players maintained averages slightly over 100, delivering a spectacle worthy of the occasion.
Post-Match Reaction
Littler reflected on the dramatic encounter:
“I know I can come back and win games like this, but it would be better if I could go into the lead like Gary did,” he joked.
“I went off for the last break and thought: ‘you’ve got to dig deep,’ and I can’t believe I won. He was very good on his doubles today, and I’m just so glad I came through.”
Lukeman Awaits in the Final
Littler’s opponent in the final, Martin Lukeman, earned his place with a 16-12 victory over Mickey Mansell. The 39-year-old Lukeman, ranked 45th in the world, continues his Cinderella run to his first major final.
The final between Littler and Lukeman promises to be an intense battle as both players aim for their maiden Grand Slam of Darts title. The match starts at 19:00 GMT and will cap off an extraordinary tournament filled with surprises and thrilling performances.
