Luke Littler says seeing Liverpool supervisor Jurgen Klopp discuss him was simply one other day in his loopy life.
Klopp in contrast his younger band of gamers, who helped win the Carabao Cup final week after which earn a quarter-final spot within the FA Cup, to the 17-year-old, who the German described because the “new darts sensation”.
Littler, who superior to the final 32 of the UK Open on Friday evening, burst onto the scene on the World Championship over Christmas.
His historic run to the ultimate noticed him transcend the game and develop into a worldwide star, so seeing Klopp reference him was nothing out of the odd.
Littler, a staunch Manchester United fan, stated: “I truly watched the ultimate and the younger lads are doing properly, but when he desires to compares them to me then he can.
“I truly wakened and somebody informed me that he in contrast me to his younger lads, so I went on-line and watched the video.
“I gave it a like and went on to the subsequent video. That was actually one other day in my life.”
I do not thoughts who I play. It’s what I dreamed of, enjoying in entrance of hundreds each week, I simply take it in my stride
Luke Littler
Littler is gunning for his first main title since becoming a member of the primary PDC Tour at first of the yr and he appeared the half in his opening match at Butlin’s in Minehead.
He averaged over 100 and produced 4 100-plus finishes, together with a ‘Massive Fish’, as he beat James Wade 10-7.
With Michael van Gerwen surprisingly crashing out, Littler is now the favorite to win.
“I’ve not even considered it, however I do know if my sport is there each match then I don’t see why I can’t win it,” he stated.
“I don’t thoughts who I play. It’s what I dreamed of, enjoying in entrance of hundreds each week, I simply take it in my stride.”
Three-time champion Van Gerwen was under par as he was dumped out on the first hurdle by Mensur Suljovic.
The Austrian has been within the darting doldrums in recent times, however posted a standout win, outplaying Van Gerwen, who seemed to be nursing an elbow harm.
Suljovic stated: “I beat Michael van Gerwen, the most effective participant on the earth. I’m feeling good, I’m practising day-after-day, I’m a special individual.
“I had a giant drawback with my household, I got here again and apply day-after-day, and hope I can do properly within the match.”
Andrew Gilding started the defence of his 2023 title with a 10-7 win over Josh Payne and intends to have fun by consuming a Pot Noodle.
‘Goldfinger’ was a shock winner final yr when he beat Van Gerwen in an exciting closing and completed so late he had nothing to eat besides the moment snack.
“Once I gained it final yr there have been no takeaways open so I needed to eat a Pot Noodle to have fun,” he stated. “So I truly introduced a few Pot Noodles and I’ll eat one tonight out of custom.
“I’ve received a hen and mushroom or beef and tomato. Possibly I’ll have beef and tomato with a little bit bit of additional ketchup, I deliver my very own.”
Former world champion Michael Smith stated he was unable to have fun his 10-7 win over Josh Cullen in the identical method as a result of he had already eaten one for lunch.
“I had a Pot Noodle for lunch earlier than I got here right here in order that’s out of the window,” he stated. “I’ve a standing order, I get some despatched each month.”
Gerwyn Worth was crushed 10-9 by Martin Schindler, however there have been wins for world primary Luke Humphries, Gary Anderson and Nathan Aspinall.
