NEW DELHI: In the
World Darts Championship
, 16-year-old
Luke Littler
is on the cusp of making history as the youngest player to win the prestigious title. Littler, making his debut at the tournament, has already made waves with a remarkable run to the final at London's Alexandra Palace, where he is set to face Luke Humphries.
The unseeded teenage sensation has stunned the darts community by defeating two former world champions, Raymond van Barneveld and
Rob Cross
, securing at least £200,000 ($250,000) in prize money.
Should Littler emerge victorious against Humphries, he will further elevate his earnings to an impressive £500,000 ($630,000).
Reflecting on his unexpected journey, Littler shared, “It would be unbelievable to win this title. I set myself the target to win one game and be back after Christmas, and I’m still here. I can’t even imagine lifting that trophy yet though. I’ve just got to stay focused, relax and be Luke Littler.”
Already holding the distinction of being the youngest player to reach the final, Littler is poised to leave an indelible mark on the sport.
Michael van Gerwen
, a multiple champion, previously held the record as the youngest winner of the World Darts Championship in 2014 at the age of 24.
Littler's unexpected journey to the final has not only captured the attention of the darts world but has also garnered him front-page headlines and celebrity fans, including Arsenal players Declan Rice and Aaron Ramsdale.
While Littler's showmanship on the stage has endeared him to lively crowds, his grounded and down-to-earth demeanor offstage has further endeared him to fans. Regarding his preparation for the final, he emphasized sticking to the routine that has served him well so far, including a morning ham and cheese omelette, followed by pizza and practice on the board.
The final against Luke Humphries promises to be a compelling matchup, with Humphries eyeing the world No.1 ranking following his own impressive journey to the championship final. Regardless of the outcome, Littler's emergence as a contender for major titles in the future is undeniable, marking a remarkable chapter in the storied history of darts.
Who is Luke Littler?
Luke Littler, born on January 21, 2007, has become a trailblazer in professional darts, competing in Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) events. At just 16 years and 346 days old, Littler is the youngest player to win a match in both the WDF World Darts Championship and PDC World Darts Championship. Notably, he is also the youngest player to reach the PDC World Darts Championship final, marking a historic milestone in the sport.
Littler's journey into darts began at a remarkably young age of 18 months when his father gifted him a magnetic dart board. Hailing from Runcorn and raised in Warrington, Littler showcased his prodigious talent, scoring his first 180 at the age of 6 and achieving a nine-dart finish by the age of 13. Joining the St Helens Darts Academy at 10, he was already competing in under-21 leagues.
In his early career, Littler achieved significant success, winning titles like the England Youth Grand Prix and the Isle of Man Masters youth competition. His prowess continued to shine in 2022, with victories in tournaments like the JDC Super 16 and the Romanian Classic. The pinnacle of his achievements came in December 2022 when he clinched the JDC World Darts Championship, securing a dominant 5-0 win over Harry Gregory.
(With AP inputs)
English (US) ·