Teenager Luke Littler thrashed Stephen Bunting 6-1 with a ruthless display to set up a PDC World Championship final against Michael van Gerwen on Friday.

The 17-year-old was runner-up last year and is bidding to become the youngest winner of the tournament after a whirlwind 12 months which has seen him become a household name.

The teenager averaged 105.48, his highest of this year’s competition, as he overpowered his fellow Englishman at Alexandra Palace in London.

Three-time champion Van Gerwen, who defeated Chris Dobey 6-1 in the semi-finals on Thursday, became the youngest winner aged 24 in 2014.

“Everyone else is looking forward to it more than I am, but if I win seven sets I will be happy,” said Littler of the final, which starts at 19:30 GMT.

“Michael has been in numerous finals, this is my second, I know where I went wrong last year and I am sure I will fix it.

“It’s the stuff of dreams, everyone wants to pick up a trophy, but you have to be at the top of your game to do it.

“I have got no pressure, I am going to enjoy it, if I can get off to a quick start I’ll be happy.”

Fourth seed Littler has looked increasingly comfortable as the tournament has progressed and raced into a 4-0 lead on Thursday.

He took the opening set despite an average of 113.35 from Bunting and kicked on from there.

Eighth seed Bunting won the fifth set but missed three double attempts to seal the next and Littler went further ahead with bullseye to clinch an 84 checkout.

With victory in sight, the teenager treated the crowd to a spectacular 170 finish.

Third seed Van Gerwen is seeking his fourth title but last triumphed in 2019, with two defeats in the final since then.

“I have been there before, the smell is not good enough, you want to touch it,” said the Dutchman.

“Luke’s been there, he has had a sniff. I am going to make sure he keeps it as just a sniff as well.

“I was the favourite two years ago and lost. Now I’m not favourite, and maybe I’m going to win it. You never know.”

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