Luke Littler is into the semi-finals of the PDC World Darts Championship for the second straight year and is already guaranteed to take home a significant amount of prize money
Luke Littler has secured his spot in the semi-finals of the World Darts Championship for the second consecutive year, ensuring a hefty payday.
The 17-year-old darts prodigy defeated Nathan Aspinall with a 5-2 scoreline in the quarter-final on New Year’s Day, advancing to the last four at Alexandra Palace.
Littler has been showcasing exceptional form in north London, having won four matches over the festive period against Ryan Meikle, Ian White, Ryan Joyce and Aspinall. His next challenge is a semi-final showdown with Stephen Bunting on Thursday night.
The victor will face either three-time champion Michael van Gerwen or Chris Dobey in the final. Despite his tender age, Littler is no stranger to the final stages of the world’s biggest darts tournament, having reached last year’s final where he was defeated by world No.1 Luke Humphries.
After an impressive debut season, which saw him pocket £618,500 in prize money from major events, the teenager is aiming to go one better this time around.
Regardless of the outcome, he is guaranteed a significant amount of prize money. By reaching the semi-finals, Littler is already guaranteed £100,000, while his winnings will increase to £200,000 if he finishes as the runner-up again, reports the Mirror.
However, his ultimate goal is to lift the trophy on Friday night – a feat that would see him pocket a cool £500,000.
He’s keeping his feet firmly on the ground, though. Chatting with Sky Sports post-match after his victory over mate Aspinall, he shared: “I think we both played very well there. I’m so glad to win. The crowd were chanting for Nathan, they wanted the comeback, but I had to finish it.”
“The Ryan Meikle game was very tough but ever since it has felt like last year. I’m just playing with absolute confidence. When they’re going in I’m playing with freedom, but now I’m looking on to the semi-finals.”
“They (the crowd) have been good for me tonight. They’ve also been good to Stephen. They can take their pick and support whoever they want to tomorrow. I can see quite a few Nuke shirts in here, so I think I’ve got on the better!”
Littler is set to face Bunting in Thursday night’s clash after Bunting secured his spot in the second World Championship semi-final of his career, overcoming a Wright comeback to triumph 5-2 on New Year’s Day.