This is a real battle of the generations in this final.

Luke Littler, aged 18 but already with a world title under his belt, faces 41-year-old James Wade, a three-time UK Open champion.

Wade won his first UK title in 2008, the year after Littler was born.

Luke Littler booked his place in the final about an hour ago.

If you weren't with us earlier, the first 10 legs of his semi-final against Jonny Clayton were shared, but then the teenage world champion won five legs in a row and eventually won 11-6.

Image source, Getty Images

Thanks Tim. My previous darts live texts have included the 2023 world final between Michael Smith and Michael van Gerwen - featuring the greatest leg of televised darts ever - and Luke Littler's epic duel with Raymond van Barneveld at Ally Pally in 2024.

Hopefully I can bring you another magic match here tonight.

Luke Littler has averaged 104.84 in the UK Open while James Wade is on 97.38.

Wade pointed out he's a man for the big moments in matches after his win over Luke Humphries.

Right, Emma Smith is on hand to talk you through the final. Which way is this one going, Emma?

The final is scheduled to start at about 21:05 GMT, give or take a few minutes.

Will the shorter break help James Wade?

Mark Webster
Former BDO world champion on ITV4

Image source, Getty Images

I thought James Wade would win but not by that margin. The early exchanges got away from Josh.

James has been confident today, having beaten Luke Humphries, and it showed. It's been a great few days for James and there's one more hurdle to go, but it's a big hurdle.

James Wade averaged 99.53 in that match and Josh Rock was not miles away with 95.62. However, the stats only tell half the story. The Northern Irishman was on the end of a drubbing in Minehead.

So it's Luke Littler versus James Wade in the final, which will be getting under way in about 20 minutes.

The teenager will be favourite but 41-year-old Wade has looked in sublime form. He's already knocked out world number Luke Humphries, of course.

Wade through to UK Open final against Littlerpublished at 20:45 Greenwich Mean Time 2 March

20:45 GMT 2 MarchBreaking

Result: Rock 2-11 Wade

James Wade has absolutely bossed this semi-final.

Josh Rock nearly pulls off a stunning 170 check-out but just misses the bullseye.

Wade makes no mistake with 21, sealing victory and his place in the UK Open final with double 10.

Ned Boulting
Darts commentator on ITV4

Image source, Getty Images

This is vintage James Wade, as good as he's ever been right now.

Alan Warriner-Little
Former World Grand Prix champion on ITV4

The disappointing thing for Josh Rock is that he never got his game going for the first seven or eight legs.

He couldn't hit anything.

James Wade with his seventh 180 leaves Josh Rock floundering again.

A stunning 130 check out ends with a second bullseye to win the leg.

One leg from the final now for Wade.

The crowd are relatively subdued, reflecting the one-sided nature of this contest.

James Wade nails an early 180 and then checks out 90 with the bullseye.

Wade points to the crowd. He's throwing superbly here.

Little margin for error now for Josh Rock now. James Wade to throw first after the break.

Josh Rock has a bit of extra motivation as he attempts to mount a spectacular comeback here.

He told ITV4 before this match: "My daughter is six months old today so hopefully I can take the trophy home for her."

Image source, Getty Images

Ned Boulting
Darts commentator on ITV4

Agonising for Josh Rock [to miss darts at double] after all that hard work.

James Wade, calm as you like, goes into the break with a mighty lead. The Machine is purring.

Josh Rock pumps his fist after nailing a 180 straight off the back of breaking James Wade's throw, but the leg ultimately goes the way of his opponent.

Left with double top, Rock fluffs it to allow Wade back in and the three-time UK Open champion cashes in with treble 19 and double 12 to put one foot in the the final at the interval.

Rock is going to have to dig deep here.

Josh Rock raises his arms in the air as he breaks the throw of James Wade for the first time, with an 11-dart leg.

James Wade has appeared in three previous UK Open finals - and won them all. He was champion in 2008, 2011 and 2021.

He's never won it at this venue before, though. Wade's first two wins came in Bolton, while his 2021 success came behind closed doors in Milton Keynes during the Covid pandemic.

Oh dear, Josh Rock.

He has two darts at 16 to win a leg back but both finish just outside the wire. James Wade lands double tops at the first time of asking.

This is a procession.