Luke Littler says he has reached the World Darts Championship final on a humble diet of omelettes and pizza after stunning Rob Cross in the semi-final. The 16-year-old sensation defeated Cross 6-2 to book a place in Wednesday’s showdown and will bank at least £200,000.
Littler was forced to come from behind against former world champion Cross. But at such a tender age, the Warrington-born starlet did not seem fazed after trailing by a set.
Some incredible throws saw Littler lead 4-1 and he ultimately won 6-2. Cross bowed to the youngster after the match in a touching moment.
Littler will learn his opponent for Wednesday’s final in the semi-final that followed his victory over Cross. He will play either Luke Humphries or Scott Williams in the £500k match at Ally Pally.
However, Littler insists that his pre-match routine will not be altered after finding that his diet of omelettes and pizza works a treat. The teenager says he eats a ham and cheese omelette in the morning before ordering a pizza when he arrives at Alexandra Palace.
Asked how he will approach his final, Littler said: “Do what I’ve been doing. In the morning go for my ham and cheese omelette. Then come here, have my pizza and get on the board. That’s what I’ve done every day so far.”
He added: “I’ve just got to stay focused throughout the game, no matter how long it goes on. I learned in the Andrew Gilding game when I went 2-0 up and let all my emotions out, I came back after the break and he won the set 3-0.
“From now on if I do go two or three sets clear, I’ll compose myself because that’s not the finish.”
Littler has revealed that he simply wished to win his first-round match against Christian Kist. After defeating the Dutchman, he aimed to spend Christmas in London with his family. He is now the youngest-ever finalist.
“I wanted to win my first round game, that was it. I heard rumours Christian was struggling with an injury. I just blocked that out and had a 106 in that game,” Littler said.
“I knew I’d spend more time in London to play Andrew [Gilding] the next day, my next target was to spend Christmas with the family which I did and then come back. Here I am in the final.”
