Luke Littler’s new girlfriend shows her true colours with message after £1m win | Other | Sport

Luke Littler’s girlfriend, Faith Millar, has delivered a touching tribute to the darts prodigy following his triumph at Alexandra Palace on Saturday evening. The 18-year-old comprehensively defeated his rival, Gian van Veen, in the World Championship final in London, thrashing the Dutchman 7-1 to bring his tally of major titles to 10.

“It’s what dreams are made of,” Littler said in his post-match press conference. “Nothing will ever beat a first world title – for anyone, in any sport, because that’s the first time you’ve done it. But this was all about retaining it. To go back-to-back feels amazing.”

Throughout the competition, his family and girlfriend have been constant sources of support, with Faith a devoted presence in the audience.

The couple have been in a relationship since last March, and she accompanied her partner on stage with the trophy, having been spotted with tears streaming down her face following the victory.

On Instagram, she shared a photograph of the pair with the message “forever proud of you, i love you so much”.

The darts sensation responded: “i love you so much”, accompanied by heart emojis.

Littler, who collected £1million in prize money for his Alexandra Palace victory, maintains his position as the benchmark in a sport he has commanded since bursting onto the scene two years ago.

“It’s a ridiculous standard that he continues to do,” five-time World Championship semi-finalist Wayne Mardle told Sky Sports. “His tournament average was 104 and if you just imagine someone doing that every game and the standard you have to play at to beat that.

“When he has this ‘off’ game, he had one that was a 97 average, that is what we’re getting at. That is how ‘badly’ he has played that game, and it’s still world-class. He’s a magnificent talent and right up there with [Phil] Taylor and [Michael] Van Gerwen.”

Van Veen, his defeated opponent, also lauded Littler.

He said: “He definitely wasn’t in the mood to give me any more chances.

“He played phenomenal. He put me under pressure every leg, every set, and I missed too many chances today to make it a game. He’s a fantastic player which is why he’s world number one by a margin now.

“That’s why he’s back-to-back world champion. I would have liked to pick up the title, but I would have liked to give Luke a game and that’s what I didn’t do.

“I lost too many legs and I missed too many chances. Looking back at this tournament, I’m very proud to have got to the final. Number three in the world and the Dutch number one. I’m very proud of this achievement but also disappointed.”