Luke Littler has sensationally beaten Michael van Gerwen to win the Bahrain Masters title on his World Series of Darts debut after hitting a nine-dart finish earlier in the day.
The 16-year-old established himself as darts' next superstar with his run to the final of the World Championships over the festive period.
His performance saw him rewarded with a spot on the eight-man line-up for the Premier League of Darts.
But the Bahrain Masters marked Littler's first World Series of Darts event since gaining his PDC Tour card.
Luke Littler has won his first PDC seniors title
ITV
He picked up where he left off from the Alexandra Palace with a strong win over Man Lok Leung, averaging 97.
He saved his best for the next day though as Littler hit a remarkable nine-darter in the very first leg of his quarter-final against Nathan Aspinall.
It was the 90th televised nine-dart finish in the sport's history and only the second time the perfect leg has been achieved at the World Series since Phil Taylor did in Sydney back in 2015.
That win set up a fascinating tie against Gerwyn Price, but the Welshman failed to land a blow on the teenager darts sensation.
Van Gerwen stood in Littler's way of the Bahrain title and it was the young up-and-comer who settled into a rhythm early on.
The Dutchman had to scrap away in order to stay in the match with Littler breaking throw on several occasions.
Both players had been on top of their game in the earlier rounds of the tournament, hitting big checkout after big checkout.
But the occasion got the better of them in a few legs with both players giving the other opportunities to take a lead.
CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?!
— ITV Sport (@ITVSport) January 19, 2024
Luke Littler has just hit a nine-darter at #BahrainDarts24! 🔥@ITVX pic.twitter.com/iemDkJPrpZ
Littler then took control in the 11th leg and never looked back from that moment as Van Gerwen fell by the wayside.
The teenage sensation got the crucial break in the very next leg to put him 7-5 up and one away from victory.
Van Gerwen couldn't find an answer when it mattered most with Littler hitting double 20 to become the Bahrain Masters champion.
Van Gerwen showed his class after the match by praising the youngster for his victory.
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Luke Littler recorded a nine-darter earlier in the day
ITV
But the 34-year-old already has revenge on his mind for their next encounter.
Van Gerwen said: "It's never going to be a good week when I'm not winning but Luke had a fantastic performance.
"Everyone knows what he is capable of - let him grow, let him do his thing.
"I couldn't produce what I produced in the earlier games and you get punished and that's the way sport works. Of course I'm disappointed but you win some, you lose some.
"I'll get him, don't worry!"
