Luke Littler gave a surprise reason for accepting a Premier League invitation after his stunning run to the World Darts Championship final at Alexandra Palace
A eight-word comment from Luke Littler has proved to be laughably wrong as his darts career continues to soar to dizzying heights.
The teenager’s remarkable run to the 2024 World Championship final, where he ultimately fell to Luke Humphries, sent shockwaves through the sport 12 months ago. It also earned him a coveted spot in the Premier League, the annual darts extravaganza that criss-crosses the UK, Ireland and mainland Europe in the first half of each year.
At just 16 years old at the time, concerns were raised that it might be too much too soon for the young prodigy. However, Littler jumped at the chance after a brief chat with his manager, saying: “Let’s do it, it might not happen again.”
Reflecting on his selection earlier this year, Littler recalled: “It’s unbelievable, no more development tour this is it. Playing in the Premier League and comfortably in the [world’s top] 32.
“As soon as I came off the stage [after the World final], did the media and saw the family, my manager pulled me aside and said, ‘do you want to do it? ‘ I said, ‘let’s do it, it might not happen again’.”
Given his subsequent achievements, it’s clear that this is just the beginning for Littler. He took to the Premier League like a duck to water, topping the league phase and then exacting revenge on Humphries in the final on play-off night at London’s O2.
Numerous other titles followed, including the Grand Slam, which propelled him to fourth in the world rankings. Despite being seeded fourth at the World Championship, he is the bookies’ top pick to hoist the Sid Waddell trophy on January 3.
He is set to encounter Humphries, the second-favourite, in the semi-finals provided both get that far. Supporters will have to wait until Saturday night to see Littler strut his stuff, with the Warrington thrower set to take on the victor of Tuesday night’s first round showdown between Fallon Sherrock and Ryan Meikle.