Luke Littler saw off James Wade in the UK Open final on Sunday, becoming the first player since 2016 to successfully defend the title. Following in the footsteps of Raymond van Barneveld, Littler clinched an 11-7 victory, overcoming Wade at the last hurdle for the second consecutive year.

The teenage prodigy secured his fifth major win on the trotwith his performance in Minehead, joining the ranks of Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen, as well as Van Barneveld, as the fourth player to retain the UK Open.

Littler, just 19, pocketed a £120,000 prize following a stellar display. The young star had to dig deep in earlier rounds to overcome Danny Noppert and Josh Rock.

The double world champion reckons the final outcome could have swung differently if Wade had nailed a crucial double during their encounter. Littler cheekily suggested his rival might snatch the win next year.

"It feels amazing," Littler expressed. "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.

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"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 deflated Wade, who still pocketed £60,000, confessed he'd run out of energy during the competition. The 42-year-old was generous in his 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."