13 Luke Littler became an overnight. Championships as the 16-year-old went all the way to the final.
Luke Littler called out by teenage darts star making waves after beating Phil Taylor at 13
Luke Littler became an overnight sensation at the PDC World Championships as the 16-year-old went all the way to the final.
Luke Littler reached the final of the PDC World Championships. (Image: Getty)
Two teenagers could soon be battling for darts supremacy on the world stage after Luke Littler was called out by another young star. ‘The Nuke’ became an overnight sensation at the PDC World Championships at the Ally Pally, going on a remarkable run to the final before he was beaten 7-4 by Luke Humphries in an epic clash.
Darts star that had PDC tour card snatched by Luke Littler shares his thoughts
Luke Littler – Teen to become ‘richest darts player ever’ despite losing money
Long before Littler exploded onto the senior scene though, it was Leighton Bennett tipped to become the sport’s next big star. ‘Boom Boom’ was just 13 years old when he overcame Phil Taylor in an exhibition bout, and immediately afterwards it was the 16-time world champion himself who touted his opponent for big things.
Now 18, Bennett has paved the way for a mouth-watering rivalry by prevailing at Q School to earn his place on the Pro Tour in 2024. He beat Thomas Cromwell 6-3 in Saturday’s final, and admitted afterwards that watching Littler’s exploits in December and January gave him extra motivation
“Seeing Luke do so well at Ally Pally gave me the kick up the backside I needed,” he said. “There’s been no pressure I’ve felt over the past year to be honest – Luke has taken the spotlight off me.
Teenage darts sensation Luke Littler admits he is not a fan of media attention
Teenage darts sensation Luke Littler admits he is not a fan of media attention
Leighton Bennett has earned a PDC Tour card. (Image: Getty)
“Happy days really, I could just focus on my own game. If I did have a bad game, no one was really going on about it. But seeing Luke at the Worlds has given me a kick up the backside and now I just want to push on and get back up there myself.”
Claiming to have regained his old confidence after “losing a bit of love for sport” in recent years, Bennett is now targeting a long-term battle with Littler that can have the pair mentioned in the same echelon as the all-time greats.“I’d love it if Luke and I became a new Taylor v Raymond van Barneveld sort of rivalry,” he said.
“It would be great if we drew each other at the UK Open on the main stage. I think that’s what people would want. I’d want that draw definitely. I think I’ve played Luke 50 or 60 times. I’ve got a better record over him, only because I was a bit older probably. Over the past two years he has battered me more. I beat him last time though, I need to say that obviously.”
Wins
Luke Littler called out by teenage darts star making waves after beating Phil Taylor at 13
Luke Littler became an overnight sensation at the PDC World Championships as the 16-year-old went all the way to the final
Luke Littler reached the final of the PDC World Championships. (Image: Getty)
Two teenagers could soon be battling for darts supremacy on the world stage after Luke Littler was called out by another young star. ‘The Nuke’ became an overnight sensation at the PDC World Championships at the Ally Pally, going on a remarkable run to the final before he was beaten 7-4 by Luke Humphries in an epic clash.
Darts star that had PDC tour card snatched by Luke Littler shares his thoughts
Luke Littler – Teen to become ‘richest darts player ever’ despite losing money
Long before Littler exploded onto the senior scene though, it was Leighton Bennett tipped to become the sport’s next big star. ‘Boom Boom’ was just 13 years old when he overcame Phil Taylor in an exhibition bout, and immediately afterwards it was the 16-time world champion himself who touted his opponent for big things.
