World Darts Championship final live: kick-off and practice as Littler takes on Van Gerwen in a thrilling match

Mike Aref

Luke Littler and Michael van Gerwen are set to clash in the final of the World Darts Championship this evening.

And before their showdown, both men competed in their respective semifinals.

Van Gerwen defeated Chris Dubey 6-1 and Littler eliminated Stephen Bunting by the same score.

And during the match, Van Gerwen’s press conference was taking place, during which he made a frighteningly accurate prediction for Brad Littler.

I expected tonight’s semi-final to be between him and Luke Humphreys, but unfortunately Humphreys let himself down.

“I was looking at the darts and if Bunting kept losing his doubles it would be 6-1.”

Van Gerwen clearly knows a thing or two about darts.

awkward

Michael Van Gerwen made it abundantly clear early in the tournament that he was unimpressed by Luke Littler.

Well, the two are currently set to meet in a blockbuster finale.

The Dutchman spoke about The Nuke shows after Ian Whyte’s defeat and revealed he expected more.

“I think the biggest disappointment so far is Luke Littler. A lot of people expect a lot from him, that’s why he’s not 100 percent,” he said.

Since then, Littler has moved on to another gear, though he expects a more frosty matchup tonight.

In his last two games against Stephen Bunting and Nathan Aspinall, he had plenty of punches and good sportsmanship, but the 17-year-old doesn’t see that happening today.

Speaking to talkSPORT, he said: “I’m sure there will be no punching after the sets.”

“Of course, it’s the final, we both have to stay focused. I can’t wait for it.”

Today is that day

That’s right, we hope you all slept well and rested for tonight’s World Darts Final.

It will be a night at Alexandra Palace when Luke Littler takes on Michael Van Gerwen.

The 17-year-old is looking to become the youngest world champion in PDC history and is in his second consecutive final.

While his opponent is a three-time world champion, he has not won this competition since 2019.

Indeed, Van Gerwen is determined to change that, and he has a better record than Littler.

They have faced each other 12 times with six wins each.

But who will come out on top on the biggest stage?