LUKE LITTLER starts the New Year just THREE GAMES away from the potential title of the youngest world darts champion ever.
His remarkable debut year in professional darts concluded with a thrilling 4-3 win against Ryan Joyce, which carried him into the final match of 2024.
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However, 2025 could be even more extraordinary if he clinches the Sid Waddell Trophy this Friday night.
At only 17 years old, he aims to carve his name in history as the youngest champion, a remarkable achievement.
Nathan Aspinall, his next opponent, will undoubtedly challenge him in the quarter-finals set for New Year’s Day, but Littler’s momentum is undeniably strong.
After his victory over Joyce, Littler expressed, “Honestly, I don’t know how I pulled that off. I told Ryan he was hitting everything against me.”
“I broke Ryan in the first set, but he quickly came back. I managed to break him again, leveling it at 2-2.”
“All I wanted was for him to miss! I had multiple chances at the doubles when Ryan wasn’t scoring as much. I’m really pleased with the win.”
“Nerves weren’t a factor; it was all about the adrenaline. In the final leg, it was crucial to stand my ground. It shows I can hit double 12.”
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“I didn’t finish the year with five nine-darters, but I’m looking forward to starting the New Year strong and hopefully achieving a nine for everyone.”
“Nathan and I have met several times in the Premier League. I’ll take a moment to unwind 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 genuinely want to kick off the year with a win against Nathan.”
Littler was sound asleep when his closest competitor, world No.1 Luke Humphries, was eliminated by Snakebite Peter Wright on Sunday night.
He discovered the startling news when he woke up at 1:30 am to check the scores on his phone.
The rising star from Warrington acknowledges that “all eyes” are now focused on him, and the pressure will increase – especially since bookmakers view him as the frontrunner to clinch the title.
In response to the heightened interest, the PDC has boosted security during his matches, now placing three guards instead of the usual two, ensuring that no one can approach him or his opponent.
Nonetheless, the crowd’s enthusiasm remained unchanged – they chanted his name and received him like a superstar.
Big Geordie Joyce, 39, nicknamed Relentless, typically showcases Tetris designs on his flights, but it was his younger rival who kicked off the match with enthusiasm.
Within seven minutes, Littler secured the first set with an impressive average of 93.27.
Still, an intense contest unfolded, with Joyce evening the scores by hitting a 116 in leg five of the second set.
Littler displayed his skills with a 108 average in set three, starting with a thrilling 66 finish, but soon became frustrated as Joyce leveled it to 2-2.
The No.4 seed returned early from a TV break for their practice throws, establishing the groundwork for the continuation of the match.
World No.33 Joyce kicked off with a spectacular 117, however Littler’s consistent 104 average kept him upbeat, allowing him to celebrate the victory of set five.
After Littler narrowly missed a match dart on double top, Joyce landed a critical double 16, prolonging the match to a seventh-set decider – a first for him at Ally Pally.
Littler, who delivered six perfect darts in the first leg of set seven, triumphed on double 12 after his fourth match dart, achieving an outstanding final-set average of 110.89.
If there’s one regret, it’s that Littler did not conclude the year with a record-setting fifth nine-darter, which he aspired to accomplish.
Perhaps he can reserve that extraordinary moment for later stages in the tournament.
Happy New Year, Mr. Littler.
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