Darts Littler eyes more majors after Matchplay success

LUKE Littler won his first World Matchplay crown as James Wade's remarkable run in Blackpool fell at the final hurdle.

- Phil BLANCHE

Littler claimed a hard-fought 18-13 victory at the Winter Gardens to become the fifth player to win the PDC Triple Crown Phil Taylor, Michael van Gerwen, Gary Anderson and Luke Humphries having also won World Championship, Match-play and Premier League titles.

Wade was in his seventh Matchplay final 18 years on from his solitary success in 2007, which came six months after Littler was born.

Littler’s scoring power in a high-quality contest proved decisive he hit 17 180s to Wade's six in averaging 107 and set a new tournament record of 64 maximums, beating Adrian Lewis’ previous best of 56.