John McDonald was asserting Luke Littler onto stage in entrance of a near-empty area simply days earlier than his World Championship heroics.
And he says he isn’t stunned Littler was in a position to take to the large stage as rapidly as he did.
Veteran announcer McDonald welcomed Littler down the ramp on the Alexandra Palace for the ultimate of the Junior Darts Corporation World Darts occasion simply three days earlier than he took on Christian Kist.
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Unlike any level of his Worlds run, Littler was made to work for the JDC title, going 3-1 down earlier than coming again to beat Almos Kovacs 5-3.
But there was by no means any doubt about Littler’s skill. “I was fully aware of his capabilities and probably the least surprised person in the building [at his Worlds run,” says McDonald.
“He has that ability that is very unusual in a sportsman, because nothing seems to faze him.
“He may need been 16 however he was not like a median 16-year-old, he does not overthink issues.
“As far as he is involved, it is a sport of darts and there is nothing to fret about, what can presumably go unsuitable?
(Image: PA)
Premier League Darts Preview 2024
Kebab-loving Luke Littler took the World Championships by storm. Now the teenager sensation is taking his skills across the UK and Europe as he faces the large boys within the Premier League.
Venues shall be packed out to see the brand new darting icon tackle the largest names within the sport – Luke Humphries, Michael van Gerwin, Michael Smith, Rob Cross, Gerwyn Price, Peter Wright and Nathan Aspinall over the following few months.
Our particular Premier League preview charts Littler’s astronomic rise, turns the highlight on his rivals for the coveted title, contains an unique column from James Wade, interviews with legends of the sport, present Premier League gamers and PDC chairman Eddie Hearn – and it tells you every little thing you’ll want to know in regards to the match.
“He is that confident that I don’t think I have ever met anyone quite like him. I have met a few young footballers and you can put him in the category of the young Wayne Rooneys and such.
“Those kinds of individuals have a particular air about them and I feel Littler holds that.
“I think everyone around him is more worried about him than he is. He just sees it as a game of darts.”
That is precisely why the Premier League is not going to be a fear for Littler.
He proved on the Bahrain Darts Masters in January that he can compete with the largest names, taking residence the trophy in an occasion which may as nicely have been a showboating exhibition, with a nine-darter and 170 to boast alongside victories over Michael van Gerwen, Gerwyn Price and Nathan Aspinall.
(Image: Getty Images)
McDonald says: “He would be the last one to worry about! I am not in the slightest bit worried about it and I know for a fact that he isn’t worried.
“I’d have been pretty stunned if he wasn’t chosen to play within the Premier League – I’d have been a bit disenchanted. I assumed he was a shoo-in.
“The interest levels, with the Prime Minister getting involved and all sorts, saying what an incredible achievement it had been, the kid has got everything that is needed to promote darts at a younger level, so why not see him every Thursday, competing with the big boys.
(Image: PA)
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“We saw him in Bahrain when he was competing with the big boys – that seemed to bother him, didn’t it!
“He beat Michael van Gerwen within the last and let me inform you one thing, Michael van Gerwen does not allow you to win. That can be the very last thing on Michael’s thoughts.
“As happy as Michael seemed, I travelled back with him and I can tell you for a fact that Michael doesn’t like getting beaten. He doesn’t like losing, he is a born winner and one of the best winners we have ever seen.
“It goes to be an fascinating Premier League and one of the vital fascinating now we have ever lined up.”