The Bahrain Darts Masters saw Michael van Gerwen clinch his 17th World Series title, overcoming fellow Dutchman Gian van Veen in a captivating final. The tournament also marked the dramatic end of Luke Littler’s incredible 21-match winning streak, as the young sensation was defeated by Gerwyn Price in the quarter-finals.
Van Gerwen Reclaims Glory in Bahrain
Dutch darting maestro Michael van Gerwen returned to the winner’s circle with a dominant performance at the Bahrain Darts Masters. He secured an 8-6 victory against World Championship finalist Gian van Veen, adding a prestigious 17th World Series crown to his impressive collection. This victory marks a significant moment for Van Gerwen, reinforcing his status among the elite.
Van Gerwen’s path to the title included overcoming tough opponents:
- In the quarter-finals, he dethroned defending champion Stephen Bunting.
- He then blasted past Gerwyn Price, the player who had just ended Luke Littler’s remarkable run, in the semi-finals.
A Dominant Display in the Final
Against the new Dutch No. 1, Gian van Veen, Van Gerwen showcased his clinical finishing from the outset. He hit early high checkouts of 130 and 113, quickly establishing a commanding 6-2 lead. While Van Veen mounted a spirited comeback, Van Gerwen remained resolute, sealing a crucial leg with a 103 checkout to go 7-5 up. He ultimately secured the title with a precise 66 finish in a 14-darter.
Reflecting on his win, Van Gerwen expressed his determination: “I don’t have to prove anything to anyone. It’s always special because I’ve never won here, but everywhere I go, I always want to win. I give 100 per cent, and of course, I had a tough few years, but more importantly, you have to make sure you keep battling your own battles.”
Littler’s Unbeaten Run Comes to an End
One of the biggest talking points of the tournament was the unexpected conclusion to Luke Littler’s phenomenal three-month unbeaten streak in televised competitions. The 18-year-old, who had captivated the darts world with his recent successes, saw his 21-match winning run abruptly halted.
Littler’s streak, which began on October 30, included major titles such as:
- The Grand Slam of Darts
- The Players Championship Finals
- And his incredible run to the final of the World Championship
His impressive run meant that Gerwyn Price became the first player to defeat him on television since James Wade at the European Championship. Price delivered a stunning performance in their quarter-final clash, securing a convincing 6-2 victory.
Price’s Clinical Performance
Gerwyn Price was in formidable form against Littler, demonstrating why he is a former World Champion. He maintained an impressive 97.4 average throughout the match and was clinical on his doubles, hitting 60 per cent. This high-level performance was too much for Littler on the day, bringing his extraordinary winning spree to a close.
While Littler’s winning streak has ended, his impact on the sport remains undeniable, and fans eagerly anticipate his next challenge, including the upcoming Premier League Darts where he will compete against the sport’s top players.
Source: Based on an article from Sky Sports – Sports News, Transfers, Scores | Watch Live Sport.
