Van Gerwen wins sixth World Series of Darts Finals in Amsterdam

Michael van Gerwen reclaimed the winners circle at the World Series of Darts Finals on Sunday, defeating reigning world champion Luke Littler 11-7 in the final at AFAS Live in Amsterdam to secure a record-extending sixth title in the event. The victory — played across the weekend of September 12 to 14 — earned Van Gerwen 80,000 pounds from a total prize fund of 400,000 pounds, organisers said.

Van Gerwen’s run to the title was punctuated by late drama and high-quality scoring. He survived last-leg deciders against Wessel Nijman and Rob Cross in earlier rounds, produced a commanding 6-5 semi-final win over Josh Rock and capped the tournament with a 130 checkout to seal the victory over Littler. Van Gerwen paid tribute to the home crowd and acknowledged recent personal difficulties, saying after the win that it meant a great deal to lift the trophy in front of his family. His young daughter joined him on stage to help hold aloft the silverware as he became emotional.

Littler, 18, had reached the final after a dramatic 11-10 semi-final comeback against Gerwyn Price in which he overturned a 9-5 deficit to prevail in the deciding leg. The Nuke’s run included wins over Simon Whitlock,...