Luke Littler has set his sights on breaking extra information, even Phil Taylor’s; the subsequent stay darts on Sky Sports activities is the World Darts Championship, which begins on Sunday December 15 with each dart stay on Sky Sports activities Darts by means of to the ultimate on Friday January 3.
Luke Littler picked up his first main TV rating title on debut on the Grand Slam of Darts 2024 and has no intention of slowing down on his quest to place his identify within the historical past books.
It was a sensational show from Littler on finals Sunday in Wolverhampton, beating Gary Anderson 16-15 in an all-time basic semi-final earlier than reeling in 15 legs in a row in a 16-3 domination of Martin Lukeman within the ultimate.
The victory strikes Littler as much as fifth on the planet on the PDC Order of Advantage and the favorite for the World Darts Championship on simply his debut yr as knowledgeable.
His fellow Grand Slam finalist Lukeman was waxing lyrical about him after their encounter and believes he has the expertise to surpass the achievements of Michael van Gerwen and even Phil Taylor.
When requested if he can change into the brand new historical past maker, Littler was stuffed with perception that he might in the future match two of darts’ greats.
“If I would like it, then I ought to get it,” Littler stated. “Nevertheless it’s going to take fairly some years to select up the quantity of trophies, not solely what Michael has obtained, but in addition Phil Taylor.” The primary goal for Littler is these rankings and he has his eye on being even increased than fifth on the planet come the tip of the yr.
“I knew coming into the event, if I do get my fingers on the trophy, which is a great distance away, I’ll be as much as No 5 on the planet… No 5 within the house of 10 months. “There’s nonetheless one other two extra rating tournaments to go so hopefully I can go a bit increased than 5.”
Since occurring his mind-boggling run on the Worlds final December, Littler’s life has modified dramatically in each single facet and he’s now a recognised movie star wherever he goes.
However for the 17-year-old, moments just like the Grand Slam make all of it worthwhile.”I used to be simply very proud of my efficiency,” he added.
“The perfect feeling was when the ball of confetti got here out. That is what we play for and the large titles we acquire.
“The World Championship modified me, modified my household, however now the months have gone on and I’m simply getting used to all of it. “I’m going to need to get used to it for a really very long time.
“This is among the ones I wished to win. Clearly my main file isn’t the perfect so it’s OK now. I simply wished to return right here, go deep and it simply reveals them I’m nonetheless right here.
“How will I have a good time? I’ll in all probability simply go dwelling, play on my Xbox.”
A brand new period for the game
Littler’s extraordinary rise is spearheading a brand new period for the game.
“Folks have a look at the likes of me and Luke [Humphries] however you’ve obtained to have a look at all the opposite gamers,” Littler informed Sky Sports activities Information. “You’ve obtained to have a look at what Martin Lukeman’s simply executed on his debut, obtained to the ultimate.
“Clearly for myself, I’ve obtained my fingers on the trophy. If somebody informed me earlier this yr, ‘you’re going to be world No 5 with two main titles to your identify’, I’d have stated, ‘you’re mendacity’.” His life has “modified massively”, Littler added.
“The recognition I’ve obtained now, I’m simply having fun with this primary yr as knowledgeable,” he continued. “Warrington’s solely a small city, you’ll get noticed in every single place, however I don’t thoughts taking footage and seeing all of the followers.
“I’ve simply grown into a greater particular person. Clearly I’m extra mature. You’ve simply obtained all the time to be your self. “He has two tournaments left in 2024, the Gamers Championship in Minehead after which the World Darts Championship.
“Early on within the yr it’s absolute chaos. So it’s all calming down now, solely two massive tournaments left. I need to win them each. However clearly it’s all eyes on the Gamers Championship first,” Littler stated. “I’ve simply obtained to regroup,” he continued. “It’s nearly resetting and ranging from spherical one once more.