Luke Littler continues to amaze the darts world with his remarkable performances at the 2024 Players Championship Finals in Minehead. The 17-year-old sensation, already a major titleholder, secured his place in tonight’s evening session with an emphatic 6-2 victory over European Champion Ritchie Edhouse. Littler’s performance was nothing short of extraordinary, combining power, precision, and a flair for the spectacular to dominate his experienced opponent.
The match was a showcase of Littler’s immense talent. He delivered six 180s and achieved an average of 105.3, once again coming tantalizingly close to a perfect nine-dart finish, narrowly missing double 12. His highlight moment came with a jaw-dropping 25, bullseye, bullseye outshot that left the crowd roaring and even earned applause from Edhouse, who could only admire the teenage star’s brilliance.
Littler’s victory continues a period of incredible form for the young star, who recently won his first major ranking title at the Grand Slam of Darts. That breakthrough victory seemed to lift a weight off his shoulders, allowing him to play with a new level of confidence and freedom. Against Edhouse, who also averaged an impressive 105, Littler was unstoppable, his relentless scoring and clinical finishing proving too much for the European Champion.
### Littler’s Meteoric Rise
The darts world has been abuzz with Littler’s rise, with many already tipping him as a future legend of the sport. Despite his youth, Littler plays with a maturity and composure that belies his age. His ability to perform under pressure and produce moments of magic is reminiscent of the sport’s greatest players. At just 17 years old, Littler has not only captured the imagination of fans but also set a new standard for what young players can achieve in the professional game.
### Wattimena Destroys Rock with a Whitewash
Elsewhere in Minehead, Jermaine Wattimena continued his impressive run of form with a dominant 6-0 whitewash victory over Josh Rock. The Dutchman, known as ‘The Machine Gun,’ was clinical throughout the match, finishing with an incredible checkout rate of 85.7%. Wattimena’s performance was marked by quick scoring and ruthless finishing, leaving Rock with no chance to get into the game.
Wattimena kicked off with an 82 checkout in 14 darts and followed it with another 14-dart leg, using a 56 finish. From there, he was unstoppable, extending his lead to 3-0 with a 76 finish. The fourth leg saw Wattimena take his time, needing 18 darts to win, but he quickly returned to his best in the fifth leg, producing a spectacular 121 checkout for a 12-darter to move within one leg of victory.
Although Rock managed to earn a dart at the bull in the sixth leg, Wattimena was not to be denied. He closed out the match in style with a 120 checkout, completing a flawless performance and advancing to the next round with ease.
### Noppert Edges Past Burton in a Tight Battle
Danny Noppert, the former UK Open champion, had a tougher time in his match but ultimately secured a 6-4 win over Stephen Burton. Noppert started strongly, opening with two 180s and taking the first leg in just 11 darts. He followed that with a steady hold of throw in the second leg to establish an early 2-0 lead.
Burton, however, showed resilience and fought his way back into the match. Noppert missed five darts at a double to take a 3-0 lead, allowing Burton to capitalize with a 120 checkout. The Englishman then delivered another stunning 100+ finish, leveling the match at 2-2. Burton continued his comeback by winning the fifth leg with a double 2, taking the lead for the first time in the match.
The match remained closely contested, with both players holding their throws until the score reached 4-4. In the crucial ninth leg, Noppert broke Burton’s throw with an 80 checkout to regain the lead. He then held his nerve in the final leg to close out the match and secure his place in the next round.
### A Tournament Full of Drama and Excitement
The 2024 Players Championship Finals have already delivered a host of memorable moments, and the tournament is only heating up. Littler’s brilliance, Wattimena’s dominance, and Noppert’s determination are just some of the stories emerging from Minehead, where the world’s best players are battling it out for the prestigious title.
For Littler, the sky seems to be the limit. His performances have not only solidified his status as one of the brightest young talents in darts but also raised expectations about what he could achieve in the sport. As he prepares for the evening session, all eyes will be on the teenager to see if he can continue his incredible run and take another step toward glory.
For Wattimena and Noppert, their victories underline the depth of talent in the field and the unpredictability of the tournament. With every match offering the potential for drama and brilliance, the Players Championship Finals promise to keep fans on the edge of their seats.
### Looking Ahead
As the tournament progresses, the competition will only get tougher. Littler will need to maintain his extraordinary level of play if he hopes to add another title to his burgeoning collection. Wattimena and Noppert, meanwhile, will be looking to build on their strong performances and keep their title hopes alive.
With the evening session just hours away, the stage is set for more thrilling action in Minehead. Whether it’s Littler’s youthful exuberance, Wattimena’s precision, or Noppert’s grit, the Players Championship Finals are showcasing darts at its very best. Fans around the world are eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this unforgettable tournament.