Luke Littler reflects on how his life has changed after a stunning run at the World Darts Championships; the teenager will face Brendan Dolan in the quarter-finals on New Year's Day, live on Sky Sports; “I have already broken the rules and records, but I know that if my game is there, I can break even more records”
Last updated: 31/12/23 18:06
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The best of the action since Luke Littler's superb 4-1 win over former world champion Raymond van Barneveld
The best of the action since Luke Littler's superb 4-1 win over former world champion Raymond van Barneveld
Like many teenagers, Luke Littler is an avid Ski Sports viewer. Unlike many teenagers, he appears on it now.
The 16-year-old's incredible run at the World Darts Championship – reaching the quarter-finals after defeating Christian Kist, Andrew Gilding, Matt Campbell and then his idol Raymond van Barneveld – has made him the player everyone is talking about.
Ahead of his 4-1 demolition of five-time world champions Van Barneveld on Saturday night, a game in which he averaged 105 and shot nine 180s, Littler received messages of happiness from past and present players at his beloved Manchester United.
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Littler has always been a Van Barneveld fan! (Credit: @LukeTheNuke180)
While United ended their 2023 with a 2-1 defeat at Nottingham Forest to fall to their fourth defeat in six matches in all competitions, Littler finished with a fourth win in a row at Alexandra Palace, setting up a New Year's quarter-final against Brendan Dolan.
Littler feels he can go “all the way” at the World Cup but whatever happens from this point in North London, his life has already changed dramatically.
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Littler received good luck messages from Jonny Evans and Gary Neville ahead of the game against Van Barneveld
“I do interviews for Ski Sports. I'm usually up in the morning watching Ski Sports News. I'm on the news now. Everything is amazing. “I'm taking it all in my stride,” Littler said.
“[My life has] he has already changed. At the [West Ham vs] The Arsenal game the other day, people were taking pictures with me.
“When I lifted my hood, people were walking in front of me asking for a picture, and I was like, 'What? I put my hood up, I'm trying to hide.' But it's good that people want pictures, I'm glad.”
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Teenage darts sensation Luke Littler joins Tottenham's James Maddison for Premier League clash with Bournemouth
Live World Darts Championship
January 1, 2024, 12:30 p.m
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Littler played football, not just watching it. As a child, he was a centre-back – “no one passed me”, he told reporters – but now he is in the limelight at oche because he decided to focus entirely on darts at the age of 10.
Just six years later, he became third favorite for the Ali Pali title, behind only three-time world champion Michael van Gerwen and Luke Humphries.
“I know if my game is there, I can beat even more records”
“My dad told me to stop playing football and that darts is more important to me.” I just looked at him and said: 'I love football'. It's every child's dream. Fortunately, it paid off.
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Littler ignored the excitement of 'The Big Fish' before coming out on double 15 to knock out Van Barneveld
“Every kid in darts, man, whoever dreams of winning.” [the World Championship] and I certainly have game. I haven't really experienced many losses.
“I've already broken the rules and broken records, but I know if my game is there, I can break even more records. What happens on the day, what Luke Littler turns up will decide the outcome.”
Littler, the reigning PDC World Youth Champion, hopes his success at the sport's biggest event will inspire other youngsters to take up darts and make the game “bigger and bigger”.
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Littler was delighted after beating his idol Van Barneveld at Alexander Palace
“Those like me at 16 coming in and already beating people on the tour who have been on the tour for 10 years and more, I hope they look at me and think they can do what I can do.”
“It's like in all sports – football, tennis and darts.” Young people come at 16, 17 years old, there are young players who play for Barcelona and in Premier League teams.
“Darts with me, I hope it gets bigger and bigger. The game can only get bigger.”
It looks like Littler will be a regular on Ski Sports for years to come, perhaps even in the finals of this year's World Championships.
Watch Luke Littler take on Brendan Dolan live on Sky Sports on New Year's Day. Coverage of the afternoon session begins at 12.30pm with Littler v Dolan to follow Rob Cross v Chris Dobbie.
The evening quarter-finals, from 7pm on Sky Sports Darts, feature Michael van Gerwen v Scott Williams, followed by Dave Chisnall v Luke Humphries.