Michael van Gerwen's three-word message to Luke Littler as he cried on Ally Pally stage speaks volumes

The 17-year-old sensation dominated Friday night's final against the three-time world champion, claiming the Sid Waddell trophy and a £500,000 winner's cheque.

The teenage prodigy's triumph marks a remarkable achievement, dethroning van Gerwen's previous record as the youngest world champion in an emotional evening at the iconic London venue.

Littler showcased a masterclass in clinical finishing, storming to a commanding 4-0 lead with exceptional accuracy on the outer ring.

The teenager's precision proved too much for van Gerwen, who mounted a valiant resistance but couldn't overcome the early deficit.

The historic moment came when Littler pinned double 16 for the first time in the match to secure the world title.

His victory sparked an immediate emotional response, with the new champion letting out a huge roar before being reduced to tears as the magnitude of his achievement sank in.

In a touching post-match moment, van Gerwen immediately congratulated the emotional teenager.

Littler revealed the Dutchman's initial words were "well done," followed by an encouraging "Keep crying boy, keep crying" when they moved to the side of the stage.

The new champion later praised van Gerwen's tournament performance, saying: "He deserves quite a lot of respect for this World Championships."

"Obviously everyone was looking at me and Luke Humphries but if you look at Michael's side of the draw it wasn't easy and it wasn't easy for myself," Littler added.

Van Gerwen displayed remarkable sportsmanship in defeat, acknowledging Littler's exceptional talent.

"Every 17 years a star gets born, and he is one of them," the Dutchman told Sky Sports.

The 35-year-old admitted his slow start proved costly: "I wasn't sharp enough at the beginning of the game."

"Fair play to him, every chance he got, every moment he had to hurt me, he did it," van Gerwen reflected.

"Of course it hurts, but that's how it should be. If it doesn't hurt, you're not going to be a sportsman," he added, before joking: "I'm an old b****r compared to him!"

Following his triumph, Littler has rocketed to World No.2 in the rankings.

LATEST SPORTS NEWS:

• Luke Littler makes telling confession after World Darts Championship final victory over Michael van Gerwen
• Michael van Gerwen booed by World Darts Championship final crowd in Luke Littler blockbuster clash
• Sky Sports forced to apologise after Michael van Gerwen loses World Darts Championship final to Luke Littler

The teenage champion revealed his immediate plans include taking his new trophy to Old Trafford, home of his beloved Manchester United.

"If they allow me to then, I am sure I will go to Old Trafford," he said.

He joked about beating Stephen Bunting in the semi-final, adding: "I am glad I beat Stephen in the semi-final because I am pretty sure he was taking it to Anfield on the weekend."

For now, though, the new champion plans to return home for some much-needed rest.