Luke 'the Nuke' Littler, 16, still on target to be youngest world darts champion
The Guardian|January 01, 2024
On Saturday night, as the 16 -year old darts sensation Luke “the Nuke” Littler surged to an easy win over one of the game’s greatest-ever players, the TV commentator remarked: “It’s almost as if the kebab shop is closing at 10 and he’s rushing to get there on time.”
Robert Booth
Luke 'the Nuke' Littler, 16, still on target to be youngest world darts champion

The Warrington teenager is known for celebrating wins with a takeaway and was landing repeated 180 maximums as he swatted aside Raymond van Barneveld, who had won several world titles before Littler was even born. There was something paternal about how the older champion congratulated the rising star.

Littler now advances into a quarter-final today on track to become the sport’s youngest-ever world champion, inspiring pride but not surprise in those who have witnessed his extraordinary rise from the Cheshire county darts team to contending for a £500,000 prize at Alexandra Palace.

“Look at his eyes,” said Karl Holden, who co-founded the St Helens Darts Academy, where Littler learned his craft. “He is focused when he gets to the oche . He is always thinking and working out which way to go.”

Holden described Littler as “an incredible kid” and didn’t dispute the suggestion Littler was shaping up as the Lionel Messi of darts – lasering in on the treble 20 with a single-minded drive redolent of the world’s greatest footballer tearing towards goal. “ He is up to entertain the crowd.”

The Ally Pally darts crowd can be wild – 3,000 cheering fans in varying stages of intoxication and fancy dress. The venue echoes to chants of “ You’ve got school in the morning” when Littler is on the stage. But it is something Littler appears to love, egging on the fans on Saturday night.

This story is from the January 01, 2024 edition of The Guardian.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the January 01, 2024 edition of The Guardian.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE GUARDIANView All
Bentancur to get long ban over alleged racist remark
The Guardian

Bentancur to get long ban over alleged racist remark

Tottenham are resigned to Rodrigo Bentancur being given a lengthy ban of at least six matches by the Football Association for making an allegedly racist remark about Son Heung-min.

time-read
1 min  |
November 14, 2024
Kane faces Carsley axe Shock as captain set to be left out for crunch Greece match
The Guardian

Kane faces Carsley axe Shock as captain set to be left out for crunch Greece match

Harry Kane is set to be a shock omission from Lee Carsley's England team for tonight's must-win Nations League match against Greece in Athens.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 14, 2024
Infantino to avoid scrutiny with virtual 2026 draw
The Guardian

Infantino to avoid scrutiny with virtual 2026 draw

Gianni Infantino will avoid any scrutiny of the controversial decision to give the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia next month after Fifa opted to stage the qualifying draw for the 2026 tournament as a virtual event.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 14, 2024
Gordon heeds England's call as no-shows hinder Carsley
The Guardian

Gordon heeds England's call as no-shows hinder Carsley

While a depleted side face tricky tests against Greece and Ireland, there will be big opportunities for some

time-read
4 mins  |
November 14, 2024
Lawrence caps quick Chelsea comeback after Agnew's early strike
The Guardian

Lawrence caps quick Chelsea comeback after Agnew's early strike

Chelsea's aspiration of claiming this season's Women's Champions League was hardly in danger as Murphy Agnew handed Celtic a shock lead.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 14, 2024
Paul's big-money fight is a circus but the YouTuber is no clown
The Guardian

Paul's big-money fight is a circus but the YouTuber is no clown

Despite the absurd persona, his business savvy and support of female fighters must be acknowledged

time-read
4 mins  |
November 14, 2024
Tyson offers reminder of boxing's glory days before weary return
The Guardian

Tyson offers reminder of boxing's glory days before weary return

Former Baddest Man on the Planet is reflective but determined in open workout as he gears up for inglorious fight with YouTuber, reports

time-read
4 mins  |
November 14, 2024
Lineker leaves second BBC presenting role
The Guardian

Lineker leaves second BBC presenting role

Gary Lineker has stepped down from his role as presenter of Sports Personality of the Year (Spoty), the BBC has confirmed.

time-read
1 min  |
November 14, 2024
Coe pulls no punches with his IOC pitch
The Guardian

Coe pulls no punches with his IOC pitch

Sebastian Coe has promised to introduce an \"uncompromising and clearcut\" policy to protect women's sport and to look into awarding prize money to all Olympic medallists if he is elected International Olympic Committee (IOC) president.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 14, 2024
Slade vows 'not to shut up shop' against Springboks
The Guardian

Slade vows 'not to shut up shop' against Springboks

England are looking to banish their autumn frustrations at South Africa's expense this Saturday and have vowed \"not to shut up shop\" against the reigning world champions.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 14, 2024