In the past two weeks, 16-year-old Luke Littler has accomplished what most grizzled darts veterans dream of. Littler plays Luke Humphries in the World Darts Championship final on Wednesday night.
He broke records and startled prior champions on his path to darts greatness. He's become a national hero and flipped the sport on its head since his Dec. 20 first-round match and debut.
He was the tournament favorite before his semifinal versus 2018 champion Rob Cross due to his efficiency, board control, and precision.
Despite initial doubts that his stone-like confidence would finally crack, he defeated Cross 6-2 to secure a position on dart's biggest stage and at least £200,000 ($252,000).
The tale went beyond darts. On newspaper top pages. Manchester United has sent him good wishes, Warrington Wolves has visited,
and Premier League stars have asked him for photographs and invited him into their box. However, he takes over the Alexandra Palace stage immediately despite the intense lighting and noise.
This wasn't a fluke. None of this is miraculous. He's dodged and weaved everything on and off the stage because to his unique talent, great attitude, and confident innocence.
After winning the round of 16, he commented, "I just wake up, play on my Xbox, have some food, have a chuck on the board, and go to bed." "I don't engage with anything outside the house, I'm just level-headed."
I feel no pressure for World Championship final, says Teen Darts player Littler.The World Darts Championship final is "unbelievable" for 16-year-old Luke Littler, but he feels no pressure.