The boy doner good! Future's bright for latest sporting genius Littler

THE morning after the night before had the ability to feel like a monumental comedown for Luke Littler, writes Matt Majendie.

Not just in pondering what might have been in the World Championship Final, but with the spotlight now gone.

Cameras seem to have followed his every move, from the practice boards at Ally Pally to the competition ones, and from Emirates Stadium to a seat in the Spurs box of James Maddison, who was one of the notable celebrities watching his final.

The 16-year-old has been a breath of fresh air for darts. A record TV audience of 2.3million watched his semi-final against Rob Cross and, when figures for the final are announced, one suspects plenty more for the tournament climax.

The hyperbole around Littler has been monstrous from the moment he won his opening-round match at the event, and understandably so.