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Luke Littler says he’ll take pleasure in a low-key 18th birthday celebration along with his household having already given himself one of the best early current by successful the World Championship.
Littler celebrates changing into an grownup on Tuesday, having already racked up a raft of profession achievements most may ever dream of.
The 17-year-old created historical past by changing into the youngest world champion when he beat Michael van Gerwen within the Alexandra Palace ultimate earlier this month to cap a stellar first yr on the PDC Tour the place he additionally received the Premier League and the Grand Slam of Darts.
Whereas turning 18 is a ceremony of passage for most kids and is well known in fashion, Littler shall be having a quiet one, primarily as a result of hectic forthcoming schedule.
He travels to Den Bosch for the Dutch Darts Masters later this week earlier than the World Masters on the finish of the month and the Premier League beginning in February.
So, as a substitute of going large, Littler is extra more likely to sit at house wanting on the Sid Waddell Trophy within the firm of his household.
“I haven’t bought something deliberate often because there’s a whole lot of darts round this time,” he informed the PA information company.
“I’ll most likely simply do one thing at house earlier than the loopy schedule begins. However I gave myself one of the best early birthday current by successful the Worlds.
“My first yr has been tough, at first of the yr with the Premier League and travelling to the European Excursions, I’ve been travelling up and down the nation.
“It’s at first of the yr when the loopy schedule is.”
Littler’s maiden title at Ally Pally would be the first of many – until one thing goes drastically fallacious.
He has stated he’s able to beating Phil Taylor’s report of 16 if he has the starvation and longevity.
Taylor admitted he can be pleased to see his tally surpassed however says Littler has a goal on his again.
“Can he get higher, I don’t know,” Taylor informed PA.
I’ll most likely simply do one thing at house earlier than the loopy schedule begins. However I gave myself one of the best early birthday current by successful the Worlds
Luke Littler on his birthday plans
“I don’t know him that effectively, he’s a stunning lad, a traditional 17-year-old, likes his cellphone, he’s very quiet and humble. He’s not money-oriented, he’s family-orientated, he loves his mum and pop.
“It’s as much as him now, after getting bought that identify you’re a goal so that you’ve bought to essentially buckle down now and observe arduous as a result of everyone is after you now.”
Littler has earned over £1.6million in prize cash from his achievements on the oche – a determine that has been dwarfed by his revenue from sponsorship offers with high-profile manufacturers.
He has nearly single-handedly dragged darts into the mainstream since he burst on to the scene on the 2024 World Championship, transcending the game and changing into a world identify.
Littler was named second within the BBC Sports activities Persona of the 12 months, offered a Brit Award, appeared on the entrance of Forbes journal and was a visitor on the Jonathan Ross Present.
Curiosity within the sport has boomed and Matchroom president Barry Hearn has known as Littler “the reward that retains on giving”.
“I name it now the Luke Littler impact, the reward that retains on giving,” Hearn informed PA in 2024.
“I’d examine him to the British model of Tiger Woods. He has his ft on the bottom and doesn’t appear to get phased, for a 17-year-old that’s simply superb.
“I simply suppose that darts hasn’t even began in the place it’s going to go globally.
“I’ve been on this enterprise for 50 years and I’ve by no means seen something like this in any sport, it’s so simple as that.”
