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The Independent
a few seconds ago
- The Independent
Luke Littler beats James Wade to win first World Matchplay crown in Blackpool
Luke Littler won his first World Matchplay crown as James Wade's remarkable run in Blackpool fell at the final hurdle. Littler claimed a hard-fought 18-13 victory at the Winter Gardens to become the fifth player to win the PDC Triple Crown – Phil Taylor, Michael van Gerwen, Gary Anderson and Luke Humphries having also won World Championship, Matchplay and Premier League titles. Wade was in his seventh Matchplay final 18 years on from his solitary success in 2007, which came six months after Littler was born. Littler's scoring power in a high-quality contest proved decisive – he hit 17 180s to Wade's six in averaging 107 – and set a new tournament record of 64 maximums, beating Adrian Lewis' previous best of 56. 'It means absolutely everything,' Littler told Sky Sports after winning the last four legs to hold the Phil Taylor Trophy aloft. 'I idolise Phil, he's come here 16 times and won it. Now my name is on this trophy – and I can say I've completed the Triple Crown. 'Since I started on the Tour and got my Tour card I've always said to myself, 'as long as I win one of every major I'll be happy.' 'I've only got a few left to tick off and I'll definitely chase the majors I haven't won yet.' Littler had to mount another comeback 24 hours after losing the first five legs of his semi-final to Northern Ireland's Josh Rock. Wade stormed into a 5-0 lead but did not have a single dart at a double in the second mini-session as Littler levelled in style. The 42-year-old left-hander produced an 11-darter in the next, but Littler responded by winning successive legs to lead for the first time at 7-6. Wade managed to keep in touch, helped by a bull finish in the 19th leg, and fought back from a double break down to cut the gap to just one at 14-13. But Littler pulled away and crossed the line in style with a 115 out shot (20-57-38), the biggest finish of the match. 'A little bit,' Littler said when asked if he had felt in control. 'Five-nil down once again, I said, 'I've been here before, what are you doing?' 'But I managed to pull it out of the bag and win the next five. I've shown I can come back from 5-0 or 7-3 down. 'I'm happy I can pull myself out of these scorelines, but I don't want to be 5-0 down again. 'James started to drop off a bit and I started to find my best darts.' By winning the title 18-year-old Littler became the youngest ever champion in Matchplay history, six years younger than Wade when he lifted the title.
The Independent
a few seconds ago
- The Independent
Sarina Wiegman details how England claimed glory at ‘chaotic and ridiculous' Euro 2025
England manager Sarina Wiegman hailed her team for coming through the 'most chaotic and ridiculous tournament we have played' after leading the Lionesses to Euro 2025 glory in Basel. England defeated world champions Spain on penalties to defend their European title as Hannah Hampton made crucial saves in the shootout and Chloe Kelly scored the decisive kick. The Lionesses led for just four minutes and 52 seconds during the knockout stages of the tournament, requiring comebacks and late goals to get over the line and become the first England team to win a major title on foreign soil. 'I must admit that I always think this is the most chaotic and ridiculous tournament we have played,' Wiegman said. 'But every time we could come back, because quarter-final, semi-final, and now, in the final, we came from behind [to win]. 'Of course, we have players that have talent and the togetherness of this team is really, really incredible. But also the belief that we can come back. The players say, 'We can win by any means.' We just never, ever give up.' Wiegman, who has now won three European championships in a row as a manager, added: 'I'm very happy. I actually can't believe it myself. How can this happen? But it happened. I'm so incredibly proud of the team and the staff. We're just going to party tonight.' Wiegman also praised Lucy Bronze after the defender revealed she had played through the entirety of Euro 2025 with a fractured tibia. Bronze, 33, is the oldest member of England's squad and started all six games during the tournament, including their dramatic penalty shootout win over Spain in the final. Bronze also defied injury to play a key part in England's quarter-final comeback over Sweden and was eventually forced off with a knee injury during extra time of the final. She could not walk on the pitch during England's celebrations in Basel, requiring a piggyback from goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse when the Lionesses ran towards their fans. 'I've played the whole tournament with a fractured tibia, but nobody kne,w and I've hurt my knee today,' Bronze told the BBC moments after the final whistle. 'Her mentality, the whole team has an incredible mentality, but she has a crazy mentality, it's unbelievable,' Wiegman said. England will celebrate their victory with a bus parade in London on Tuesday, and Wiegman said she hopes winning another trophy will help the growth of women's football. 'I hope it will boost the women's game even more, not only in England, but beyond,' Wiegman said. 'I think how I've experienced this tournament is that the level went up again. 'This tournament broke every record again, with the spectators, the views on television and that's great.'
The Independent
a few seconds ago
- The Independent
Jubilant Princess Charlotte celebrates Lionesses Euro 2025 win with her father Prince William
A jubilant Princess Charlotte has been spotted celebrating alongside her father, the Prince of Wales, as England secure back‑to‑back European Championship titles. The Lionesses fought back from a one goal deficit against Spain at St Jakob‑Park in Basel to win Euro 2025 after a tense penalty shootout. The victory made the Lionesses the first team ever to defend their Euro crown since the tournament began in 1984. Princess Charlotte watched the historic victory alongside her father, Sir Keir Starmer, FA Chair Debbie Hewitt and FA CEO Mark Bullingham. The 10-year-old, wearing a polka dot dress, was spotted having a friendly chat with Spanish royals Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía as England equalised. She later joined Prince William on the pitch to hand out medals as the England players celebrated their dramatic victory. A picture of the Prince of Wales with his arm around his daughter was later posted to X following the presentation of the trophy to the Lionesses, with the caption 'champions of Europe'. The pair congratulated the team in a short statement, saying: 'What a game! Lionesses, you are the champions of Europe and we couldn't be prouder of the whole team. Enjoy this moment England.' The statement was the first message Charlotte has personally signed on the Prince and Princess of Wales's X account. King Charles led the royal tributes honouring the Lionesses from back in the UK. Writing a message entitled 'Congratulations England' on the The Royal Family X account, Charles said: 'This brings you, your manager and all your support team my most heartfelt congratulations on winning the Euros 2025. 'For more years than I care to remember, England fans have sung that famous chant 'football's coming home'. 'As you return home with the trophy you won at Wembley three years ago, it is a source of great pride that, through sporting skill and awesome teamwork, the Lionesses have made those words ring true. For this, you have my whole family's warmest appreciation and admiration. 'More than that, though, you have shown through your example over past weeks that there are no setbacks so tough that defeat cannot be transformed into victory, even as the final whistle looms. 'Well done, Lionesses. The next task is to bring home the World Cup in 2027 if you possibly can!' Sir Keir Starmer also offered his congratulations after England's victory in Switzerland. In a post on X, the Prime Minister said: 'Champions! Congratulations @Lionesses – what a team. What a game. What drama. 'You dug deep when it mattered most and you've made the nation proud. History makers.' Culture secretary Lisa Nandy also gave her reaction to the win, saying: 'What an absolutely extraordinary achievement by our Lionesses – once again they have made history and united the country with pride and joy.'
