A gracious Martin Lukeman hailed “different gravy” Luke Littler after being overpowered by the teenage sensation in his first appearance at a major final at the Grand Slam of Darts.

The Watford player made history by becoming the first qualifier to reach the climax to the competition in Wolverhampton, but after winning the first two legs he was overwhelmed by the 17-year-old who produced an astonishing display to race to a 16-3 victory.

“Luke is just different gravy,” said Lukeman, who has secured his place at next year’s tournament by virtue of reaching the final.

“He is absolutely brilliant. He has done great things for the sport and has brought in so many new fans.

“I wish Luke and his family all the best. He’s a great kid, and I couldn’t live with him tonight.”

Having beaten Mickey Mansell 16-12 earlier yesterday to reach his first major televised final, the 39-year-old made a positive start by winning the opening two legs, before Littler battled back to lead 3-2 at the first interval.

The Premier League champion accelerated clear by taking the next five legs, before 100 and 78 checkouts were followed with a ten-darter to go 11-2 clear.

Littler proceeded to reel off 15 straight legs before his opponent was able to stem the tide, but it only briefly delayed the inevitable as the champion followed up a 12th 180 with a 14-darter to clinch the title.

Despite the final proving one step too far, Lukeman can look back with considerable pride on what has been the best week off his darts career.