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Luke Littler I gave myself an early birthday gift by beating me Michael van Gerwen Won 8-5 in the first game Saudi Arabia Masters.
The two-time world champion turned 19 on Wednesday and his celebrations began at Riyadh’s Globe Theater before heading to Dubai rest.
“No success last week Bahrainbut I’m really happy to be here in Saudi Arabia for the first time and to be the first winner,” Littler told ITV4.
“We guys came in here not knowing what to expect. It was a great vote, so thank you.
“I’m going to celebrate my birthday now. I’m going to Dubai with my family and girlfriend and have three days off.”
Littler led 4-0 with a bullseye score of 132.
Van Gerwen fought back, winning three consecutive rounds before and after the break before Littler stepped on the gas again.
He hit six 180s for an average of 104.84, but missed out on the $100,000 nine-dart prize.
If the pin is hit during the event, the player will receive a dart that hits the bullseye, doubling the prize to $200,000.
“Obviously, everyone, all the players care about that and they know what’s up and up for grabs,” Littler said.
“If you hit the first treble and then miss it, you’ll be frustrated, but hopefully we’ll be back here next year and someone will hit a nine-dart.”
Littler avenged his Bahrain Masters loss to Gerwyn Price with a 7-5 comeback win in the semi-finals – his first in 22 matches.
Price led 4-2 at the break but Little fought back after earlier repeating his World Championship final victory over Gian van Veen in the quarter-finals.
Van Gerwen defeated Stephen Bunting and Nathan Aspinall in the final.
But the most successful player in World Series history failed to win an 18th championship.