Littler Seals Winmau World Masters Victory in Just 10 Minutes as van Gerwen Makes Historic Comeback
The Winmau World Masters, one of the most prestigious darts tournaments in the world, came to a thrilling conclusion on Saturday, with Luke Littler claiming the coveted title in an unprecedented 10-minute match. Meanwhile, Michael van Gerwen scripted a stunning comeback to secure his first major title in three years.
The Winmau World Masters, which has been a staple of the darts calendar since 1974, attracted some of the world’s top players, including reigning champion Luke Littler. The 24-year-old Englishman, known for his lightning-fast doubles, faced a stern test from Dutch star Danny Baggish in the final.
Despite Baggish’s valiant effort, Littler proved too strong, securing the championship with a crushing 6-1 victory. The decisive win marked a milestone for Littler, who has been rising through the ranks of professional darts in recent years.
However, the biggest talking point of the tournament was van Gerwen’s remarkable comeback story. The five-time PDC World Darts Champion, who has been struggling with form and injuries, bounced back from a 5-1 deficit against Germany’s Martin Schindler to claim a stunning 6-5 win.
"It’s an incredible feeling to be back on top," van Gerwen said after his victory. "I’ve worked hard to overcome my recent struggles, and it’s a huge relief to win a major title again. This is a testament to my perseverance and determination."
The win marked van Gerwen’s 31st major title, solidifying his status as one of the greatest darts players of all time. The Dutch ace, who turned 33 on Monday, vowed to continue his winning streak, stating, "I’m feeling strong and focused. I want to keep pushing myself to the top and add more titles to my collection."
The Winmau World Masters also saw some exciting upsets, with the likes of England’s Chris Harris and Scotland’s John Henderson advancing to the quarterfinals. Harris, in particular, enjoyed a memorable run, defeating three top-10 seeds en route to the last eight.
As the dust settles on the 2023 Winmau World Masters, the focus now turns to the next major tournament, the PDC World Darts Championship. With Littler and van Gerwen both set to compete, fans can expect more thrilling matches and unpredictable results as the world’s top darts players battle it out for the coveted trophy.
In conclusion, the 2023 Winmau World Masters was an unforgettable event, marked by a series of upsets, dramatic comebacks, and a dominant performance from the eventual champion, Luke Littler. With van Gerwen’s historic win and Littler’s 10-minute championship, the world of darts has been left eagerly anticipating the next major showdown.
