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LUKE LITTLER is set to enter the New Year just THREE GAMES away from etching his name in history as the youngest world darts champion ever.
His outstanding debut year in professional darts concluded with an exhilarating 4-3 victory over Ryan Joyce, a nail-biter that extended to the very last match of 2024.
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However, if he triumphs over his rivals in 2025, it could be even more spectacular as he aims for the Sid Waddell Trophy on Friday night.
At just 17 years old, he has his sights set on becoming the youngest world champion in history, a truly remarkable feat.
Nathan Aspinall, another formidable competitor, is expected to challenge him in the quarter-finals on New Year’s Day, but Littler’s momentum continues to build.
After his victory over Joyce, Littler expressed, “Honestly, I’m not quite sure how I pulled that off. I told Ryan he was performing so well against me.”
“I broke Ryan in the first set, but he quickly responded. I managed to break him again, bringing the score to 2-2.”
“I just wanted him to miss! I had plenty of opportunities at the doubles while Ryan wasn’t on his game as much. I’m really satisfied with the win.”
“Nerves didn’t affect me; it was all about adrenaline. In the final leg, I just had to stick to my strategy. It shows I can hit double 12.”
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“I didn’t finish the year with five nine-darters, but I plan to start the new year strong and hit a nine for everyone.”
“Nathan and I have competed against each other numerous times in the Premier League. I’ll take it easy now and get ready for New Year’s Day.”
Luke Littler celebrates after defeating Ian White to reach the PDC World Championship last 16
“I am really eager to begin the year with a win against Nathan.”
Littler was fast asleep when his closest rival, world No.1 Luke Humphries, was knocked out by Snakebite Peter Wright on Sunday night.
He only became aware of the shocking news upon waking up at 1:30 am to check the scores on his phone.
The Warrington star understands that “all eyes” are now on him, and the pressure is bound to mount – especially since the bookmakers have him as the clear favorite to claim the title.
In response to the rising stakes, the PDC has increased security during his matches, adding an extra guard at the walk-ons to ensure no one could approach him or his opponent.
Nevertheless, the crowd’s enthusiasm remained unchanged – they chanted his name, welcoming him as a hero.
Big Geordie Joyce, age 39 and known as Relentless, typically has Tetris shapes on his flights, but it was the younger contender who started the match with vigor.
In less than seven minutes of play, Littler grabbed the first set with a 93.27 average.
However, an intense battle followed, and Joyce leveled the match with a 116 in leg five of the second set.
Littler showcased his skills with a 108 average in the third set, earning an exhilarating opening finish of 66, but soon felt frustrated again as Joyce equalized the match at 2-2.
The No.4 seed returned early from the TV break for some practice throws before the match resumed officially.
World No.33 Joyce kicked off with an impressive 117, yet Littler maintained a 104 average, boosting his confidence as he celebrated the fifth set win.
After Littler missed a match dart on double top, Joyce successfully landed key double 16, sending the match to a seventh-set decider – a first for him at Ally Pally.
Littler, who threw six perfect darts in the first leg of set seven, clinched victory on double 12 with his fourth match dart, achieving an exceptional final-set average of 110.89.
If there is any disappointment, it is that Littler did not end the year with a record-setting fifth nine-darter, a milestone he had aimed for.
Perhaps he can reserve that remarkable feat for the later stages of the tournament.
Happy New Year, Mr. Littler.
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