Michael Smith reckons Littler, 17, has develop into ‘larger than Phil Taylor’ in darts

On Feb 3, 2024

Michael Smith has insisted Luke Littler has develop into “even bigger than Phil Taylor” on this planet of darts.

The 2023 PDC world champion defeated the 17-year-old 6-5 within the semi-final of the Premier League on Thursday (February 1) in what was {the teenager}’s debut within the competitors that noticed thrash world primary Luke Humphries 6-2 earlier that evening.

Bully Boy ended because the victor of evening one after besting hometown hero Gerwyn Price 6-2 within the remaining that noticed him declare 5 factors as he leads the desk.

This article incorporates affiliate hyperlinks, we are going to obtain a fee on any gross sales we generate from it.
Learn extra

Watch soccer, F1, golf, tennis, cricket and extra

Get all the game you may ever ask for

Sky Sports is bringing you 500 stay soccer video games to observe, as nicely entry to Cricket, Golf, F1, Boxing, NFL, NBA and extra throughout eight devoted channels. Sky Sports is the solely option to watch all of the motion this 12 months.

£22 a month

Sky

Following his evening of triumph, Smith, 33, sounded off on the huge assist Littler had on the Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff as he jokingly mentioned: “I actually thought in the semi-final Luke Littler was Welsh” earlier than including: “It’s going to be every week, it doesn’t matter where it is”.

The Warrington wonderkid has taken the game by storm for the reason that World Championship late final 12 months and the previous world champion had a powerful tackle the sheer reputation of {the teenager}.

How many world championships can Luke Littler win in his profession? Give us your ideas within the feedback part under

Michael Smith talks to the media after his final victory against Gerwyn Price — Smith had sort phrases for the teenage sensation
(Image: YouTube/dartsnow)

“Everyone’s fallen in love with him,” Smith mentioned. “He’s even bigger than Phil Taylor who won 16 world titles, Luke is the most popular thing in darts. I’m going to ride the wave. People keep following, sponsors keep coming in, and the prize money is going up for us lads.”

Smith spoke concerning the distinction in consideration that he acquired in comparison with Littler as he mentioned: “When I walked in this afternoon there were no interviews. Luke Littler walked in and it was ‘can you do this one, can you do that one?’. That was me last year. This time I got to sit and chill, break up my time on the board and it worked.”

luke littler — Littler received his Premier League debut towards Luke Humphries
(Image: PA)

This article incorporates affiliate hyperlinks, we are going to obtain a fee on any gross sales we generate from it.
Learn extra

Where to observe Premier League Darts

Now Sports Membership

Get entry to all 11 Sky Sports channels, together with 7 day free trial of Boost so that you can stream the massive occasion in Full HD. You can cancel the membership anytime.

Boost auto-renews after your 7 day free trial at £6 a month, except cancelled. New Boost members solely.

£34.99 per 30 days, or £11.99 for twenty-four hours entry

NOW

Sky Sports

Get all 8 devoted sports activities channels, together with Premier League, Action & Arena and extra.

Now solely £22 further a month for 18 months

Requires Sky Q & Sky TV. Price assured for whole 18-month minimal time period

Smith was one of some gamers compelled to endure the unsportsmanlike whistling throughout his 6-5 victory over Michael van Gerwen as he sounded off on the Cardiff crowd. “I enjoyed the crowd apart from one or two individuals,” he admitted.

“I’m not going to say the crowd was disgusting because it was only two or three people, the other three or four thousand were amazing.”