Luke Littler hopes his exploits at Alexandra Palace over the past three weeks will inspire children to take up darts.
Littler, 16, stormed through to the final of the PDC World Darts Championship, creating a wave of interest from the younger generation on social media, only to come unstuck last night against new world number one Luke Humphries.
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The teenager missed a dart for a 5-2 lead which proved pivotal as Humphries hit back to complete a 7-4 win and secure his first world title.
It was a disappointing end to a fairytale story which Littler hopes will have a knock-on effect.
He told ITV’s Good Morning Britain: “I have caught a load of people’s attention. It is just unbelievable. I hope I have caught lots of young people’s minds to get on a board and just try it out.
“If they don’t like it that’s fine but I’d advise them to give it a go because it is a good sport and once you get into it you’ll always love it.
“If you love the darts why don’t you get on the board and try and be like me or one of the other top professionals.”
🗣️ “Nobody likes losing, but I cannot be angry at myself.”
Hear the thoughts of World Championship runner-up Luke Littler, who reflects on a sensational campaign at Alexandra Palace!
What a tournament. What a player! 🤯👏 PIC.TWITTER.COM/CGAXW3O7Y8
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) JANUARY 4, 2024
Having entered the tournament as an unknown outside of darting circles, Littler is now a household name and he admits the scrutiny has changed him.
“I have just got to be myself and be the Luke Littler I have been here for the last three to four weeks,” he added. “It has changed me a lot, I have broke into the top 32, I have got a bit of money now, which is going to help.
“Getting into the top 32 will definitely help me qualify for pretty much every event in the year. It’s a losing start to the year, but it is also a good start to the year. I will take the positives.”
Littler will now head home to Warrington and be reunited with his beloved Xbox.
“I can’t wait to go back on my Xbox,” he said.
“I didn’t bring it because I didn’t think I would get to the final. I only practice for half an hour a day, because I get bored and have my Xbox next to me.”
