Reigning world champion Michael Smith has spoken of his desire not to see a repeat of last year as Luke Littler continues to steal the headlines at Alexandra Palace. The 16-year-old darts sensation is through to the last-16 of the World Championship, and has been tipped for big things.
Littler will face either Jim Williams or four-time world champion Raymond van Barneveld in the next round on December 30, and his name will continue to grab the headlines leading up to his last-16 encounter.
The teenager has earned mammoth plaudits during his incredible debut at Alexandra Palace, with Wayne Mardle even comparing the ‘darting freak’ to Michael van Gerwen. The Dutchman enjoyed a meteoric rise himself, becoming the youngest winner of the World Championship at the age of 24.
However, Smith is eager to see the pressure and expectations kept firmly off Littler’s shoulders. The 33-year-old recently said, as quoted by the Daily Star: “I actually spoke about Luke with Nathan (Aspinall) this week. He is with the same management team. For me, he is good – like, really good.
“But I just don’t want to see the hype that Josh Rock got last year, and he has struggled a bit this year. I don’t want to put too much pressure on Luke, especially being 16 years old, but I don’t think he has ever lost on stage at the PDC.
“He has played on it four times, in two world youth finals and stuff, and he has always played really well. But being on the Tour with another 127 people, who will be throwing 95 averages or 100 averages, will be different. Just leave him alone. Just let him get on with it. Let him find his feet… but he is good.”
Smith’s comments come after 22-year-old Rock grabbed the limelight last year, having enjoyed a fantastic 2022 after claiming his Tour Card that January. He had won five Development Tour titles, became World Youth champion, posted remarkable averages on the ProTour and won his first senior PDC title at Players Championship 28.
He also recorded a televised nine-darter in his battle with Van Gerwen in November 2022 at the Grand Slam of Darts, as well as rising to number 36 in the world. Rock, just like Littler, capped off a fine year with a last-16 spot at Alexandra Palace.
But in 2023, the Northern Irish youngster has found things tougher and was knocked out of the World Championship in the secound round, losing to Berry van Peer.
Littler will be desperate to continue his excellent rise in 2024, and Smith will be hoping he can do so without the mega expectations bringing him down.
