World Darts Championship final live: Score and latest updates from Luke Littler v Gian van Veen

Van Veen just needs to hold his throw to win this set and he follows up his 145 by taking out a 127. This is a masterclass from the Dutchman so far!

Littler responds by holding throw himself in fairly straightforward fashion but can he break Van Veen’s throw to keep the set alive?

WOW! Gian van Veen is now rocking and rolling after that first set.

He attacks Littler’s throw to begin the second set and hits his first 180 of the match to leave a 145 finish.

He gets a shot at it and takes it out with double 14! Gian Van Veen breaks to begin the second set. This is a real early warning from the underdog to Littler

Here’s how Gian van Veen won that first set. A big moment for the Dutchman

Into a deciding leg for this opening set. This is big int he context of the match, for Van Veen especially.

But Littler’s first throw is a 180! Good response from Van Veen though and Littler’s dreams of a nine-darter die quickly at the start of his next throw.

Van Veen has a shot at the ‘big fish’ a 170 finish. First dart in triple 20, and the second… JUST misses the bull and lands in 25. So close!

He’s back to the board though and has two darts at his favourite double 8 to win the set but missed both!

Littler on 40, surely a routine checkout. NO! He misses one at double tops, then two outside D10. That is very un-Littler.

And Van Veen takes advantage! Finds double 4 with the second dart and GIAN VAN VEEN WINS THE FIRST SET 3-2

Littler is chuntering to himself as he walks off the stage for the first break. Not a happy boy

Littler struggling to consolidate his hold though.

Van Veen has a shot at breaking back with 89 but misses the bull. However, Littler can’t land a double 5 and Van Veen is back to the board.

Needs this… YES! Double 8 nailed and the Dutchman will throw for the first set.

Hmmm, some worrying signs for Van Veen in the third leg. He’s absolutely nowhere, not even close to a finish as Littler gets down to a single-darter.

Takes out double tops, not always his friend, with ease and that is a routine break of throw. Ominous…

Good response by the reigning champ. He is in total control of the first leg where he has the throw and almost takes out 161, just missing the bull.

Tidies up the 25 to level the match though

That is some start by Van Veen. He’s first to a finish and takes out 116, finishing on double top!

A fist pump from the Dutchman and a 12-darts leg for a simple hold. Statement made

I’ll be honest, neither walk-on is really my vibe. I’ve always found Littler’s walk-on a tad underwhelming.

The underdog Van Veen throws first in this opening leg. He needs to win this first set, you feel. Opens up with a couple of nerve settling 140s.

Gian van Veen is out first. He looks pretty relaxed as he strolls to the stage. Astronomia by Dutch electronic duo Tony Igy & Vicetone blares out – if you like Dutch techno house then you’ll have loved that walk-on…

He’s followed by Luke Littler, walking out to Greenlight by Pitbull, as per usual. A smattering of boos when the intro initially begins but that is quickly almost universal cheers.