LUKE LITTLER is “from a different planet” according to his World Championship final rival Gian van Veen.
Less than fortnight after, the classy Dutchman admits he must improve in 2026.
Gian van Veen hasn’t watch World Darts Championship final defeat to Luke Litter at Ally PallyCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
, 23, also revealed that hasn’t watched the World Final on TV after going down 7-1.
He said: “I just enjoyed it, especially the quarter-final, semi-final, final. It was three hectic days.
“Looking back at it, it was maybe a bit too hectic for myself, but it’s another learning experience.
“Luke Littler is a fantastic player. He’s probably from a different planet. He’s leagues above the others.
“I know I missed one to go two up in sets. Maybe it would have been a different game, but I also acknowledge that Luke Littler is a fantastic player.
“As soon as he hit the double 15 to win a world title, I was like, okay, he was the player today. That’s it. I know what I need to do better next year.
“I don’t compare myself to Luke Littler. If I do, it’ll be a very disappointing year.
“I’m just playing my own game and enjoying all the tournaments I get to play in this year, and hopefully it’s going to be a great year.”
On whether he has watched the final back, he added: “Not the full match. I watched a couple of highlights that were posted on the PDC YouTube channel from all the games, but not the full matches.
“Those are long matches and there wasn’t too much time.”
in the Bahrain Masters, his second final within a fortnight.
He added: “Since the World Final, the day after I had an exhibition and then afterwards I went on holiday. I practiced for about 30 minutes afterwards.
“So it felt a bit rusty, but it’s always good to be back on stage and even though it was a bit rusty, you’re still happy with the win.
“Being here in Bahrain is already fantastic, but of course my eyes are already on what’s coming next.
“I think once I get back home, back into the Player Championship, European Tours, get back into the full rhythm, that’s when it will start to sink in.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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