Luke Littler has revealed why things are different in 2025 compared to last year as the youngster prepares to lock horns with Michael van Gerwen in the final of the World Darts Championship on Friday night.
The 17-year-old has made the final for the second year in a row, having previously crashed to defeat against Luke Humphries.
Littler made the last round of the 2025 competition with an emphatic 6-1 victory over Stephen Bunting on Thursday, with the teenager virtually flawless following a stuttering start to proceedings.
Despite Van Gerwen’s wealth of experience, the Dutchman will actually be the underdog when he steps out at Alexandra Palace this evening.
Luke Littler is sleeping better in 2025 compared to last year as he prepares for the World Darts Championship final
PA
And Littler has revealed that he’s been sleeping far better this year compared to last, something that could work in his favour as he looks to make yet more history.
“Every night before I do play a game I’ve slept, I’ve slept well, whereas last year I wasn’t sleeping at all because I was just ready for the next game,” he admitted.
“But this year it’s a lot different. As soon as I knew back-to-back finals, it’s just chill out, reset the batteries and go again.
“I think everyone else is looking forward to it more than I am.
“Michael, he’s been in numerous finals. This is my second. I know where I went wrong last year and I’m sure I’ll fix it.
“It’s the stuff of dreams, every kid, every adult, they want to pick up the trophy, but you’ve got to be at the top of your game to do it.
“I won’t sit and say I’m gonna pick up the trophy. If I win seven sets I’ll be happy. It would mean everything. I’ll be over the moon.”
Littler was the favourite for the competition when it started last month.
Nothing has changed in the time since, with the darts prodigy continuing to establish himself as one of the best players on the planet.
Luke Littler will need to be at his brilliant best to overcome Michael van Gerwen at the World Darts Championship
PA
And Littler says he doesn’t feel the pressure, with the youngster eager to get off to a strong start.
“I can tell you now, I’ve got no pressure, I’m sure Michael would have said the same,” he continued.
“I’m just going to enjoy it and if we can get off to a quick start winning the first set, I’ll be happy.
Luke Littler isn’t feeling the pressure ahead of the World Darts Championship final
PA
“But if I don’t then I’ll come back on and switch things up and make it right.
“I knew coming back after Christmas, just don’t feel that pressure again and I didn’t.
“I’ve won plenty of more games since the Ryan Meikle game, I’ve just settled. I can’t wait to get on stage again.”
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