Luke Littler dispatched James Wade in the UK Open final to become the first person since 2016 to successfully defend the title. Littler followed in Raymond van Barneveld’s footsteps by claiming an 11-7 victory, having beaten Wade at the final hurdle for the second year in succession.

The teenage sensation claimed his fifth successive major win with his performance in Minehead as he became the fourth player to defend the UK Open, joining Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen in addition to Van Barneveld.

Littler, 19, won a £120,000 prize after a strong performance. The youngster previously needed to dig deep in earlier rounds to find his way past Danny Noppert and Josh Rock.

The two-time world champion believes the final result could have been different if Wade had hit a pivotal double during the clash. Littler told his rival he could take the win in 12 months’ time.

“It feels amazing,” Littler said. “I don’t think it has been the best of tournaments for myself, average-wise but I have dug deep throughout the tournament and I have come out with a win.

“That is what James does, he is always behind you and I said to him after the game that if he had hit those double tops then it is a completely different game.

“Me and James always have a good battle. I said ‘back-to-back, you can get me next year’.

“I wasn’t happy with myself in the early rounds but as a player you have got to dig deep. We have come out as champ!”

A disappointed Wade, who still won £60,000, admitted he ran out of steam during the tournament. The 42-year-old was full of praise for Littler.

He said: “He was just too good for me there in the end. Little bit gassed out, little bit older than he is. Just couldn’t quite find it. Hats off to him.

“He’s doing what he does and he does it quite easily. Missed a couple of shots and a couple of doubles. No one likes losing.

“Perhaps it doesn’t always get reflected how I’m doing and what I’m doing. But for the last 18 months, I’ve done alright.

“Luke’s flying the flag for the PDC, he’s the best player in the world at the moment. Unfortunately I’ve lost to him in three finals. I hate losing more than anyone.”