Teenage darts sensation Luke Littler has raised a remarkable £34,000 for charity due to his impressive displays at the World Darts Championship. Littler has cruised into the semi-finals after thrashing Brendan Dolan on New Year’s Day.
The 16-year-old defeated Dolan 5-1 having raced into a 4-0 lead at Alexandra Palace. His fairytale run sees him enter the last four and he views himself as one of the favourites to win the tournament on his debut.
But Littler is also raising an incredible amount of money for charity due to his consistent throwing. The Cheshire-born star has thrown 34 maximums during the tournament, including five against Dolan.
Littler’s 180s mean that he has raised £34,000 for charity as part of Paddy Power’s fundraiser for Prostate Cancer UK. The gambling company has promised to donate £1,000 for every 180 that is thrown at the World Darts Championship.
Only Chris Dobey has hit more maximums than Littler during the tournament, with 43. Damon Heta is third in the leaderboard with 27, while Rob Cross has thrown one fewer. Joe Cullen and Scott Williams both sit on 25 each.
Littler is taking a semi-final place in his stride. He overcame Raymond van Barneveld in the quarter-final and now believes he has nothing to fear as he eyes a famous Ally Pally victory.
“I’ve earned it,” he said after beating Dolan. “I’ve [thrown] another 100-plus average and my doubles are on 47 per cent, so it’s gone well today as well.”
Littler, who has already guaranteed an eye-watering £100,000 paycheque for reaching the semi-final, insists he can go all the way and win the World Darts Championship.
“It is an incredible feeling. My cover shooting was unbelievable, my doubles got me over the line, and I think I am daring to dream now. I have seen the draw,” he said after beating Van Barneveld.
