Who has to congratulate whom after the final? Michael van Gerwen (left) and Luke Littler.Bild: www.imago-images.de
The Darts World Cup in London will be decided in a giant duel. The three-time world champion Michael van Gerwen will meet 17-year-old Luke Littler on Friday evening (9 p.m.), who made it to the final at the last event.
02.01.2025, 23:5002.01.2025, 23:59
follow meMichael van Gerwen left nothing to be desired in the first semi-final of the Darts World Cup in London. The Dutchman made short work of the Englishman Chris Dobey. After him, Luke Littler was also clearly superior to Stephen Bunting.
A wait of six years must be enough: Michael van Gerwen finally wants to become world champion again. The three-time champion (2014, 2017 and 2019) only needs one more win as he became the first player to qualify for the 2025 World Cup final at Alexandra Palace on Thursday evening. In addition to the Sid Waddell Trophy, there is a winner’s check worth the equivalent of around 560,000 francs.
Finally wants to become world champion again: Michael van Gerwen.Bild: www.imago-images.de
“MvG” lived up to its role as favorite against Chris Dobey from A to Z. In the end, the 35-year-old won 6:1 sets and it seemed as if he didn’t have to push himself to his limits.
Littler irresistible
In the second semi-final, Englishman Stephen Bunting had little to say against his compatriot Luke Littler. By the time “The Bullet” was down 0-4 sets, the game was over.
Littler impressed with a high score and a checkout rate of almost 50 percent up to that point. In the end he also won 6:1 and shone with a three-arrow average of 105.48 points. Littler scored the maximum possible 180 points 13 times.
Another double hit: Luke Littler clenches his fist.Bild: keystone
The teenager stormed into the World Cup final last year practically from nowhere. Only there did Luke Humphries stop his winning ways. After the World Cup, Littler seamlessly continued his achievements in the “Ally Pally”, including winning the Premier League this year. As number 4 in the world, he is only one place behind final opponent van Gerwen.
A finale with explosives
“Mighty Mike” van Gerwen was considered the man who, after 16-time world champion Phil “The Power” Taylor, would shape the sport of darts for years to come. The “only” three World Cup titles so far hardly do justice to his status as long-time world number 1. Van Gerwen lost his last two finals in the “Ally Pally”, against Peter Wright in 2020 and against Michael Smith in 2023.
The fact that everything has revolved around Luke Littler since the last World Cup has repeatedly annoyed the Dutchman. “With all due respect, he hasn’t won anything yet,” van Gerwen complained in April. “He will always be the one chasing me.” It’s clear: there is explosive material in this World Cup final.
