EXCLUSIVE Luke Littler has been cleaning up the darting majors, and he’s eyeing more glory at the World Grand Prix after a first round exit this time last year
Luke Littler’s darting palmares is already glistening with gold.
At just 18 years old, the prodigious talent has conquered nearly every major in the sport — winning the World Championship, World Matchplay, Grand Slam of Darts, UK Open, Premier League, and World Series.
Yet there are still a few boxes left to tick, including the World Grand Prix, which gets underway on Monday (October 5). And as the unique double-start event returns, Littler is dreaming of adding another title to his name.
“Obviously it’s the next big one. I’ll be honest, I didn’t like it. I didn’t like the double start,” Littler told Daily Star Sport at the opening of Target Darts’ pop-up shop.
“I think it’s one of the toughest tournaments to win. The Worlds, the Matchplay. the Premier League. But the double start: if you don’t get off, then you’re in trouble.”
The format, where players must hit a double to start each leg, often proves a mental minefield. Littler admits it’s not something he practises often, but he knows it will demand attention in the build-up.
He said: “I can’t say I really practice the double start often but obviously leading up to it.
“I think I’ll have to, just get used to it. Every year we’ll see someone hit a treble twenty first out and then they forget. It’ll be tough but we’ve still got plenty of darts to play.”
Last year, it was Ricardo Pietreczko that was left with egg on his face as he landed his darts in the treble 20 bed, only to very quickly realise his mistake.
Littler has already turned out at this unique event before – crashing out in the opening round at the hands of Rob Cross.
And his task on Tuesday evening won’t be any easier, as Littler will line up against Gian van Veen – who has gone from strength-to-strength this season.
Van Veen has said he’s “excited for the game,” acknowledging the buzz around a clash between two of darts’ brightest young prospects.
Littler, though, remains focused on the bigger picture: “I think it’ll be a major, then a week off and then obviously another major.
“Grand Prix, Grand Slam, Players Championships and then obviously the Worlds. But it’s all practice up until the worlds.”