Luke's rise has given me kick up Boom Boom

BENNETT CAN BE BIGGER THAN LITTLER

- NIKE WALTERS

LEIGHTON BENNETT, the original boy wonder of darts before Luke Littler stole his thunder, has signalled the start of a new arms race by winning a PDC Tour card.

'Boom Boom' Bennett, 18, and Luke the Nuke will have us diving for the air raid shelters for years after their simultaneous ascent into the professional ranks.

While 16-year-old Littler (inset) was a guest of his beloved Manchester United at Old Trafford yesterday after a fairy tale run to the PDC World Championship final at Alexandra Palace, Bennett was celebrating his triumph at Q school to join him on the Pro Tour.

Bennett, who beat 16-times world champion Phil Taylor in an exhibition game five years ago, admitted: "Seeing Luke do so well at Ally Pally gave me the kick up the backside I needed."