Luke Littler continued his incredible rise in the world of darts by storming into the semi-finals of the Grand Slam of Darts, defeating Dutch player Jermaine Wattimena with a powerful 16-2 scoreline. Littler’s victory in Wolverhampton on Saturday was not only dominant but showcased the precision and skill that have turned the 17-year-old into one of the most exciting young talents in the sport. Throughout the match, Littler exhibited consistent control, tallying seven 180s in the first five legs alone, setting an early tone that Wattimena simply couldn’t match. The English prodigy came close to a nine-dart finish in the second leg, narrowly missing out by failing to hit double 12, but that moment only added to the electricity of his performance.
This win sets up an enticing semi-final clash for Littler, as he’s set to face former world champion Gary Anderson on Sunday. Anderson, at 53, brings decades of experience and is a well-known powerhouse on the darts circuit. He earned his semi-final place by edging out 22-year-old Dutchman Gian van Veen in a hard-fought 16-14 battle. Anderson’s match demonstrated both his resilience and strategic skill, as he overcame an early 4-2 deficit to take control, winning seven out of the next eight legs to establish a strong lead. Though Van Veen pushed back and managed to close the gap to just one leg multiple times, Anderson held steady on his throw, ultimately securing his seventh career appearance in a Grand Slam semi-final. Littler and Anderson’s showdown will pit youthful energy against seasoned experience, promising an exciting match-up for fans.
Littler’s path to the semi-final has been nothing short of impressive, especially given his age. In the last 16, he faced Belgium’s Mike de Decker in a nail-biting match that ended 10-9 in Littler’s favor. That close win highlighted the young star’s ability to remain composed under pressure, as he managed to edge past De Decker in the final leg. Against Wattimena, however, Littler was relentless from the outset, establishing his dominance early and maintaining it throughout the match. Wattimena struggled to find any rhythm or opportunities, with Littler consistently setting up his shots and finishing with ruthless efficiency.
Littler’s win against Wattimena was defined by a series of outstanding checkouts, including finishes of 167, 164, and two separate 110s. These high checkouts not only underscored his technical prowess but demonstrated a maturity beyond his years. It was Littler’s fourth semi-final appearance in a major tournament this year, a remarkable achievement for any player, let alone one so young. Following the match, Littler expressed satisfaction with his performance, telling *Sky Sports*, “I felt confident coming in tonight. I played so well and I’m happy. Fair play to Jermaine, but I was too good tonight.” His words revealed the calm self-assurance that has endeared him to fans and marked him as a player to watch in the coming years.
On the other side of the tournament bracket, the second semi-final will feature a showdown between Northern Ireland’s Mickey Mansell and England’s Martin Lukeman. Mansell, a seasoned competitor known for his resilience, and Lukeman, who has been enjoying a breakout season, are both hungry for a spot in the final. The presence of two emerging stars like Littler and Lukeman in the semi-finals alongside veterans like Anderson and Mansell illustrates the dynamic range in the current darts landscape, where experienced professionals and young talents are making their mark.
For Littler, Sunday’s match against Anderson will be a major test. Anderson’s experience in high-stakes matches, coupled with his proven ability to perform under pressure, makes him a formidable opponent. With two PDC World Championships under his belt, Anderson’s track record speaks for itself, but Littler’s fearless style and recent performances have shown he is not easily intimidated. Fans are eager to see if the young talent can keep up his relentless playstyle against such a seasoned veteran. The match will also be a significant moment in Littler’s career as he steps onto the big stage against one of the sport’s legends.
The anticipation surrounding Littler’s future is immense, and his journey to the semi-finals has only amplified the hype. Many fans and analysts believe that the young star is on the verge of redefining the sport, much like Michael van Gerwen and Phil Taylor did in their own eras. Littler’s success at this year’s Grand Slam has already solidified his position as a rising force in darts, and a victory over Anderson could catapult his career to new heights.
Looking ahead, the Grand Slam semi-finals will be a day packed with high-stakes drama and top-tier skill. For Littler, the clash with Anderson is more than just a match—it’s an opportunity to prove that his youthful energy and exceptional talent can challenge the very best in the sport. Anderson, meanwhile, will be aiming to leverage his experience to keep the young challenger at bay and secure a place in the final.
As the darts world watches closely, Sunday’s semi-final match promises to be an electrifying contest of contrasting styles: Anderson’s steadiness and strategic depth against Littler’s raw power and fearless play. Whether Littler advances or not, his Grand Slam run has already etched his name into the list of young players to follow, leaving fans eager for what the future holds.