"I started playing better from the second set. The first set, I wasn't happy going into the break but I had to kick on from there. I said to myself, 'give it time, you will find it'. I started off from the left of the oche and moved over to the right. It all came to plan. Gian, what a tournament, he can be very happy. Every set he was there and behind me. I had to take my chances."
"It is life-changing. Even for this tournament, the first round was doubled. This win has increased that gap from Luke Humphries and I'm in the clear for No 1."
Littler retained his Alexandra Palace world title with a dominant 7-1 victory over Van Veen, securing a record £1 million prize. The performance included an average of almost 106, 15 maximums and a 170 'Big Fish' checkout. Littler became the first player to defend the Ally Pally crown since Gary Anderson ten years earlier. The win continued a strong run after a debut final two years prior and kept Littler unbeaten on that stage. The victory increased his lead over Luke Humphries and effectively secured the world No 1 position.
Read at Irish Independent
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