Gary Lineker responds to stunning Luke Littler win in Bahrain Darts Masters final

Teenage darts sensation Luke Littler has won the Bahrain Masters at the first attempt

Gary Lineker has taken to social media to congratulate Luke Littler after the teenager stunned three-time world champion Michael van Gerwen to win the Bahrain Masters.

Littler, who is still 16, shot to fame at the Alexander Palace over the Christmas period when he became the youngest person ever to reach the PDC World Darts Championship final. He was beaten by new world No. 1 Luke Humhpries but has quickly put that disappointment behind him by claiming his first senior title just weeks after his Ally Pally heroics.

Runcorn-born Littler reached the final earlier today after producing a televised nine-dart finish in the quarterfinals before seeing off Welshman Gerwyn Price 7-3 in the semi-final setting up a blockbuster final against the Dutch master Van Gerwen. But the teenager made of mockery of his opponent’s substantial pedigree, beating him 8-5 to claim the Bahrain Masters on his World Series Debut.

Match of Day host Lineker wasted no time congratulating Littler on his latest achievement. Posting on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) Lineker said: “Incredible. @LukeTheNuke180 is something else. Phenomenal.”

Littler’s rise has been nothing short of sensational since winning the World Junior Championship in November. He has now added Van Gerwen to the list of former world champions he has defeated already, which includes Raymond van Barneveld and Rob Cross.

Speaking after his Bahrain triumph, Littler said: “I’m happy to win, earlier on in the quarters I hit a nine against Nathan [Aspinall]. I played well yesterday and again tonight. No one probably believes it but I’ve not thrown a dart since the World final, to win against Michael he’s the very best and I’m happy to win my first title.

“It’s been unbelievable. I’m happy to come out as the winner. I haven’t set any goals, I didn’t even expect to pick this trophy up. A great crowd, I have no goals – I’ll have to see what my darts do.

Dutch legend Van Gerwen said: “It’s never going to be a good week when Michael’s not winning. He’s had a fantastic tournament, I couldn’t produce what I have done in the previous matches, you only punish yourself. Of course I’m disappointed, you win some, you lose some, I’ll get him don’t worry.

“Everyone says he’s a new kid but everyone knows what he’s about. Everyone wants to push him but let him grow. He has to learn, the crowd has to learn and everyone has to learn. Of course he’s a good player but everything will come.”