Luke Littler has taken the darts world by storm over the last 12 months, and two-time World Darts Championship semi-finalist Stephen Bunting has lifted the lid on what the teenager is like behind the scenes
The darts world has been left stunned by the meteoric rise of young darts dynamo Luke Littler: who went from an under-the-radar talent to the sport’s most standout star in just 12 months.
His trajectory to darting fame has mirrored the pinpoint accuracy of his trusty 23-gram darts. But just what’s the real story behind the scenes with Littler?
Stephen Bunting, fellow World Darts Championship favourite, revealed the intriguing off-stage habits of Littler: “We see him week in week out on the Pro Tour. He’s literally sat there on his phone, he’ll be watching Manchester United play, or he’ll be playing a game.
“He might be chilling with a friend that he’s brought in [to watch]. He very rarely practises, he’ll probably stand up for 20 minutes, throw for the bull and it’s game on.
“He’s doing everything you’re taught not to do. But it works for him.”
Despite his unconventional approach, Littler isn’t just throwing around luck; he’s bagged over a £1million in his first pro year, so no one’s arguing with his technique, reports the Express.
Comparing Littler to other legends of the game, Bunting drew parallels with double world champ Gary Anderson, saying, “I think Gary Anderson is very similar, that’s the way he approaches the game, he doesn’t really practice that much. He gets up and averages 110 or whatever it is.
“But Luke Littler has brought a ray of sunshine to our sport and long may it continue. He’s bringing new followers in daily and people are talking about it on the TV.”
The young darting sensation, Littler, saw his chances of clinching the Sid Waddell trophy soar after his debut match at this year’s World Championship, where he triumphed over Ryan Meikle 3-1 on Saturday night.
Blasting an impressive 140 average in the final set, the teen was a hair’s breadth away from a nine-dart finish, which would have netted him an extra £60,000.
Post-Christmas, he’s back on the oche facing Runcorn’s own Ian White in the third round.