Luke Littler becomes youngest World Matchplay champion in history after rampant final win over James Wade

Luke Littler is the World Matchplay champion. 'The Nuke' took down James Wade 18-13 in the final in Blackpool on Sunday and has added yet another huge accolade to his collection.

Littler becomes the youngest ever champion in World Matchplay history at 18 taking that mantle from a certain James Wade back in 2007. 'The Machine' offered so much going 5-0 up but he let it slip as Littler got stronger and stronger.

He kept on his coattails but as he searched for a break, he didn't get it but Littler got another and it was all she wrote. Littler hit a 107 average in victory with 17 180's and 41.9% on the doubles.

Unlike the UK Open final which saw James Wade get drubbed by Littler, it was a much better start by The Machine as he opened up with a steady hold and a 90 checkout.

Littler missed 134 for a hold and Wade hit 80 for 2-0. An 83 checkout saw Wade go 4-0 up and break again and he was suddenly on the cusp of a 5-0 lead. Wade missed three darts to go 5-0 up but Littler missed 70 and 'The Machine' did Machine things, he cleaned up double five to head into the first break 5-0 up.

Littler was finally on the board while Wade couldn't produce any trebles. A 72 checkout saw Littler go 5-2 down throwing for 5-3. Littler crept in double eight for 5-3. A 44 checkout saw him break again for 5-4. After being pegged back to 5-5, Wade returned for 81 to lead 6-5. But Littler crept in double five for 6-6 with Wade waiting to pounce. He hit a 97 checkout from there to go 8-7 up and got daylight at 9-7.

Littler held for 10-8 to keep his nose in front on double 10. Wade pinned 81 on the bull to go 10-9 down but he needs a break. Littler missed bull for an 81 checkout but Wade missed 79 for 12-11 and Littler missed 44 on double 16. This allowed Wade to return but he couldn't even hit trusty double 10 and Littler broke again for 13-10.

Littler missed bull for 81 for 15-12 in the race to 18 and Wade hit 101 for 14-13 but he still needed to break. Wade couldn't find the treble 17 for 121. Littler hit double five for 15-13. Wade missed chances to hold and Littler took down 80 for 16-13.

Littler went one away on double 20 then broke in style with a 115 checkout to seal the win. Arise Luke Littler.