Luke Littler’s imperious defence of his World Darts Championship title has continued after reaching Saturday’s final.
The world No 1 lived up to his billing once again after dismantling Ryan Searle in the first semi-final on Friday night.
The teenage sensation, 18, was sublime at the oche as he beat his English compatriot 6-1 in sets.
Littler will face either two-time champion Gary Anderson or Gian van Veen in Saturday’s showpiece.
As custom during his walk-on, the teenager embraced his parents Anthony Buckley and Lisa Littler, while also sharing a kiss with girlfriend Faith Millar.
And the Warrington-born star had some other star-studded support in his corner as friend and recent I’m A Celeb King of the Jungle Angry Ginge, real name Morgan Burtwistle, was in attendance. As well as him, musician Lewis Capaldi was at the north London venue.
Luke Littler is through to Saturday’s World Darts Championship final after beating Ryan Searle
Littler embraces Ryan Searle after beating his English compatriot 6-1 during their semi-final
Littler shares a kiss with girlfriend Faith Millar during his walk-on on Friday night
Victory cements Littler’s position as one of the giants of the game and few would back against him lifting the Sid Waddell Trophy for a second time in 24 hours.
It will take something special to stop him as he looks unbeatable over a longer format.
He averaged 105.35, hit 10 180s and took out 59 per cent of his doubles, amid a stretch of 11 successive wins, and there was still a strong sense that there was more to come from the audacious teenager.
His only disappointment was his failure to land a nine-dart finish, an insatiable itch that he has been so far unable to scratch.
He twice came close in the sixth set, with seven perfect darts in a leg he ended up losing after Searle took out a ‘Big Fish’ 170 checkout.
Littler ends what has been a career-best run by Searle, who moves up to a new high ranking of world No 8.
The 38-year-old’s performance has been made even more impressive by his recent revelation that he suffers from Autosomal Dominant Optic Atrophy – an eye condition which means he often cannot see where the dart lands.
That did not hold him back and he dropped just two sets on the way to the last four.
As well as his girlfriend, Littler’s dad Anthony Buckley and his mum Lisa Littler (left) were there
Littler also had the support of friend and recent I’m A Celeb King of the Jungle Angry Ginge
Musician Lewis Capaldi watches on during as the first semi-final unfolded on Friday night
But then he came up against a different proposition in Littler, who produced a masterful performance to reach a third successive final.
‘This is crazy. A few boos, a few cheers, but the crowd tonight have been good,’ Littler said on Sky Sports.
‘I went 1-0 down, I wasn’t the happiest, I thought I didn’t play that well. Everyone knows I want to go 1-0 up, I want to get into the feel.
‘I told myself I’d find it.
‘Big shout to Ryan, he has done amazing this tournament, he can be proud.
‘(The second semi-final) is going to be a brilliant game, I don’t mind who I play, both excellent lads. Whoever hits the double first will win the match.’
