Luke Littler beats Van Gerwen in final on World Series debut

Luke Littler beat three-time world champion Michael van Gerwen 8-5 to win the Bahrain Masters in his World Series of Darts debut.

Littler, 16, made global headlines during his run to the 2023-24 World Championship final in January, where he ultimately lost to Luke Humphries.

But all eyes were on the England teenager again on Friday after he became the youngest player to throw nine darts in the World Series in his quarter-final victory over Nathan Aspinall and his momentum grew. continued until the final.

I'm happy to win, I played well yesterday and I played well again tonight,” Littler told ITV4.

“No one probably believes me but I haven’t thrown a dart since the world final.

“Michael is one of the best and I’m happy to win on my debut.

“It’s been an incredible week and I’m happy to come out on top.”

Van Gerwen admitted he wasn't at his best in the final as he became the latest big name to fall to Littler.

“It will never be a good week if I don’t win, but Luke put in a fantastic performance,” Van Gerwen told ITV4.

“Everyone knows what he is capable of: let him grow, let him do what he wants.

“I couldn't produce what I produced in the previous matches and you get punished and that's how sport works. Of course I'm disappointed but you win some, you lose some.

“I’ll get it, don’t worry!”

Littler and the World Series return to Europe on January 26-27 for the Dutch Masters.