Does “playful” teen sensation or “bitten” ruler triumph? The chances of the dream finalists at the Darts World Cup

A final battle to die for. Every darts fan in the world is looking forward to the dream World Cup final between Luke Littler and Michael van Gerwen. Both top performers are in their very best form, so Ally Pally can certainly expect fireworks. But who will take the title? Ex-darter and commentator Erik Clarys looks ahead.

“Don’t ask stupid questions, okay? Of course I’m the top favorite!”

There is no lack of confidence with Michael van Gerwen. The three-time world champion jokes with our Dutch colleagues who asked him who had an edge in the dream final of the World Darts Championship.

After a bad year, Van Gerwen takes on the sensation of the sport: Luke Littler. Last year the top players played against each other 12 times and the match was divided fairly: 6-6.

“If I have to believe the press, I had my worst year ever. Yet he did not beat me more often than I beat him. That says a lot. Moreover, he has already been vulnerable this World Cup,” our northern neighbor argues strongly.

The feeling is good, but can Van Gerwen also beat the Brit at the plate?

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“Well, I rate both gentlemen equally,” Belgian ex-darter and commentator Erik Clarys shares the Dutchman’s optimism. “Although the numerical advantage does go to Luke Littler.”

The Brit – who still only has 17 years of life under his belt – has been shooting like crazy in recent days.

“At the beginning of the World Cup, he struggled a few times. There were even moments when he faltered. But if you saw his semi-final, you know enough. He left no stone unturned by candidate winner Stephen Bunting.”

The epitome of that? Shortly after Bunting rolled 170 for fun, Littler checked out with ‘The Big Fish’.

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So the question remains: who will make it tonight in the titanic clash?

“It will certainly be a match to enjoy,” Clarys assures. “Small factors will be decisive. For example, Littler would have to experience a difficult moment, which would cause him to start to get annoyed.”

Although annoying is not exactly something Luke ‘The Nuke’ does a lot on stage.

“That is precisely what makes it a clash of styles. The ever-playful nature of Littler against the aggressiveness of Van Gerwen. The teenager has no baggage or pressure, lives with his parents and earns a lot of money.”

You could have a smooth throwing arm for less.

Van Gerwen’s children sometimes ask when their dad will win again.

Erik Clary’s

That is (or was) different for Van Gerwen – still only 35 years old.

“He is really keen on that fourth world title and wants to prove himself more than ever. Van Gerwen has recently placed much more value on breaks with his family. He wants to give them a good life. In addition, his children sometimes ask when he will play again. is going to win.”

Yet our Belgian ex-darter had expected the Dutchman in the final battle, despite a bad year in 2024: “That is thanks to the reasonable half of the table. And also: if anyone can reach a World Cup, it is him.”

Erik Clarys still gives Michael van Gerwen the advantage. While he himself tipped Littler as a future world champion for the tournament.