Luke Littler admits he has not thrown a dart since his incredible World Championship adventure at Alexandra Palace earlier this month. Littler is in action today for the first time since his defeat in the final against Luke Humphries on January 3.
The 16-year-old sensation captured the hearts of the nation with his remarkable run to the showpiece event at Ally Pally. He will take to the stage at the Bahrain Darts Masters but reveals he might not be up to speed having not thrown a dart in over two weeks.
Littler was recently spotted watching boyhood club Manchester United draw 2-2 with Tottenham. A picture with the teenager alongside Sir Alex Ferguson went viral.
In the meantime, the world No 31, who earned £200,000 in prize money at the World Championship, has been spending time in Wales with his family.
Ahead of his first-round match against Man Lok Leung, Littler reflected on the last few weeks: “It’s been crazy. The World Championships changed my life, my family’s life, my social media platforms, it’s all gone crazy.
“We went away to Wales last week, the family and me, for some down time, to chill out.
“I’ve not thrown a dart since the World Championship final, so whatever happens in Bahrain happens.”
Littler revealed that he was offered advice from legendary former United manager Ferguson. He was in the directors’ box for the Red Devils’ Premier League clash with Spurs, with Ferguson requesting a special meeting.
“My dad is a bit older, so he watched everything Manchester United achieved under Sir Alex Ferguson,” Littler continued.
“I watched the back end of his United career, but all I wanted was my top signing but they said he wanted to meet me. He told me, ‘keep to it, keep dedicated’ and it was just amazing to meet him.”
Littler is among several PDC players competing in Bahrain this week. He will be joined by Humphries, Michael van Gerwen, Michael Smith, Gerwyn Price, Rob Cross and Peter Wright, although the sport’s best players will all be kept apart in the first round.
The eight first-round winners will progress to the quarter-finals, which will be played on Friday and followed by semi-finals and the final. A £20,000 prize pot is on offer for the triumphant player.
