Luke Littler says it would mean everything to become the youngest winner of the PDC World Darts Championship and he will have plenty of chances to do it.
Still just 17 years old, the Nuke heads to Alexandra Palace this year as the favourite to lift the trophy after finishing runner-up on debut last time round.
Michael van Gerwen is currently the youngest ever winner of the tournament, doing so at 24 years old, so time is on Littler’s side.
The teenager even joked he could phone it in for a few years before breaking MVG’s record, before insisting that it would be hugely important to him to hold that piece of history.
‘I know Michael van Gerwen holds the youngest at 24,’ said Littler. ‘So I’ve got seven years, I could just slouch about for six years and just win it when I’m 24!
‘I’d obviously like to win it before Michael won it, it would mean everything to be the youngest. That’s definitely what I’m looking for.’
Littler Littler has won 10 titles in his first year as a professional, including the Premier League, Grand Slam and World Series Finals.
Despite Luke Humphries being world number one, defending champion and having landed multiple titles himself this season, Littler is the favourite with the bookmakers and he is fine with that situation.
‘Probably based on recent performances then I am the favourite,’ he said. ‘Us players have just got to look ahead, don’t have to look at who’s favourite, just got to play our darts.’
Van Gerwen has plenty of respect for Littler’s talents, but has laughed off the suggestion that he could be afraid of the Nuke, and reminded the youngster that he has been at the top for a very long time.
‘I think he’s been playing really well. Of course he had an insane year, but how many tournaments has Humphries won?’ Van Gerwen questioned. ‘I just need to look to myself. I only won four. Bad isn’t it?
‘Luke Littler’s not unbeatable. He lost first round in the World Matchplay to me! No one is unbeatable, no one. Of course he has so much talent and he’s great for the game.
‘Of course he’s a good player, of course he has the media attention and everything goes his way at the moment because he’s in the flow.
‘Still, I’m not playing my best and he still didn’t beat me more than I beat him. So that might be an answer. Am I scared of him? Not a chance.’
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