Manchester United’s FA Cup heartbreak provided an unexpected source of motivation for Luke Littler, as the teenage darts sensation stormed to victory at the UK Open on Sunday.
Littler, an 18-year-old United fan, was in action during his semi-final against Jonny Clayton when news broke that his club had been knocked out of the FA Cup by Fulham on penalties after a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.
Speaking to ITV Sport after his 11-6 victory over Clayton, Littler admitted that United’s disappointment spurred him on: “I am happy, obviously I’m into the final at my third attempt at the UK Open.
"But at the second break, I heard about the Manchester United loss, so it spurred me on a bit. I won the next five legs, and then I only needed one more to get the job done.”
United’s Defeat Drives Littler to UK Open Glory
Littler carried that momentum into the final against James Wade, where he dominated the three-time UK Open champion, winning 11-2 in a one-sided showdown.
The young star raced into a 5-0 lead, never allowing Wade to settle. Despite Wade finally getting on the board at 9-1, there was no stopping Littler, who clinched the title and the £110,000 top prize.
Reflecting on his triumph, Littler said: “It is one I have wanted to win. I came here two years ago as a 16-year-old, last year I was in the quarter-final, and now I have gone two better this year to win it.”
While United’s FA Cup dream ended in disappointment, Littler ensured there was at least one Red celebrating silverware on Sunday night.
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