Luke Littler close to tears after epic Gary Anderson win to reach Grand Slam final | Other | Sport

Luke Littler looked close to tears after defeating legend Gary Anderson to book his spot in the Grand Slam of Darts final. 

Littler, who moved up into the top 10 of the PDC world rankings with the victory, will have the chance to win his first-ever darts major in Sunday night’s final. 

The teenage sensation had to do it the hard way though, once again coming from behind to down his Grand Slam opponent. 

Anderson led 12-8 after 20 legs, but a series of unforced errors opened the door to the irresistible Littler, who took his opportunity in a typically stylish fashion. 

Littler continued to wow with his scoring, finishing the match with a whopping 103 average while registering 16 180s to Anderson’s five. 

While he was a touch-down on his checkout averages, converting just 41 per cent of his doubles, the 17-year-old eventually got back on level terms with Anderson to tie the game at 14-14. 

In the first to 16 contest, it was in fact Anderson who was the first to have the darts for the match, having cleaned up a nervy 57 to move 15-14 in front. 

But Anderson, who struggled to find the trebles with the same ease in the latter part of the contest, failed to take out 106 for the match after Littler missed double four for the leg.  

By the time the pair got to the 31st and decisive leg, the writing was already on the wall, with Littler keen to wrap things up in style. 

Starting the leg with a 180 visit, Littler displayed a ruthlessness reminiscent of Anderson in his prime, ensuring the two-time world champion didn’t carve out an opportunity of his own. 

Finishing the match with a double 12, Littler was visibly overcome by the emotion from a win he called one of the best of his fledgling career during his post-match debrief. 

Speaking to Sky Sports, the youngster stated: “This is one of the best games I’ve ever won. I just said to myself you know it’s there so do it.” 

There’s no time to rest for Littler though, who will now have only a matter of hours to prep for his third game in 24 hours later on Sunday evening. 

Martin Lukeman, ranked 45th in the world, is up next for Littler, with the 39-year-old having seen off the likes of Peter Wright, Rob Smith and Rob Cross to reach his first-ever major final. 

A bumper £150,000 is on offer to the winner, with the action set to get underway at 7:45pm.