Semi-finals fizzle out but Luke Littler and Michael Van Gerwen set up fascinating World Darts Championship final
The IndependentSign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. open image in gallery Luke Littler and Michael van Gerwen will square off in Friday night’s final Van Gerwen brushed aside a struggling Chris Dobey – who wilted somewhat in his first WDC semi-final – winning 6-1 as a 98.84 average proved more then enough. Although he ultimately took slightly longer to find his feet at the very highest level than Littler has, it’s worth noting that a lot of the “youngest” records that the Englishman has been setting – such as the “youngest player to achieve a televised nine-dart finish” – have been snatched away from Van Gerwen. open image in gallery Much like Littler, Van Gerwen was a darting wunderkind In fact, he’ll smash it by seven years. open image in gallery Littler celebrated a dominant semi-final win over Stephen Bunting Both men laid down an immediate marker in their semi-final wins as Van Gerwen chucked a 180 with his very first throw of the match en route to 14, 12 and 15-dart legs to take the opening set, while Littler began with a 14-dart leg, then tossed back-to-back 180s in the second leg before holding his nerve to deny a surging Bunting with a 46 checkout to seal the opener.